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V 



Some 
Who Led 

Or 

Fathers in the Church of the 
Brethren Who Have Passed Over 



WRITTEN and COMPILED ^ 

D^^Li'Miller and Galen B. Royer 



'Lives of great men all remind us 

We can make our lives sublime, 
And departing, leave behind us 
Footprints on the sands of time." 



BRETHREN PUBLISHING HOUSE 

Elgin, 111. 
1912 




Copyright 1912 
D. L». Miller and Galen B. Royer 



^ 



S:CU3:ao995 






INTRODUCTION 

How relentless is time! The events of moment in out 
generation are memories in the next, and forgotten in the 
third. We retain but a fragment of the notable achieve- 
ments of our fathers. The workers have been so busy do- 
ing things that no time was left to record the things they 
did. Here and there, by accident more frequently than by 
design, signs and hints remain. These the patient student 
and the sympathetic friend may gather and weave into a fair- 
ly accurate record. This is the work of the historian. It is 
service of the greatest value. 

The Christian Church has not carefully considered the 
meaning of its own history. Many a deed and many a life 
have faded from the light of the present. This is greatly 
to be regretted. We need all the testimony of God's grace 
and goodness that we can possibly gather. The faithful fol- 
lower of the Great Father should ever seek to know and 
to emulate the deeds and lives of the worthies who have 
gone on and whose example is rich in convincing power to 
those who now and hereafter follow on. 

The Church of the Brethren has lost much of the fine rec- 
ord its great leaders have set goldenly in the progress of 
Christian thought for two centuries. Perhaps the exodus 
from Europe, the change from the German to the English 
language, and the scattered life here in the colonies have 
combined to explain, in part at least, this loss. A few years 
ago it was impossible to ascertain the simple facts of the 
origin of the church, its early struggles, its great leaders, its 
commanding place among the German-Americans of our 
colonial and early national life. 

This in part has been remedied. We now know somewhat 
in detail this splendid record of glorious service to God's 
cause. We shall never know it in full. Jn the grave of neg- 



4 INTRODUCTION 

lect it is buried beyond recovery. We should never be con- 
tent until we know it as fully as research and study make 
it possible for it to be known. 

I have long been convinced that there is much yet to be 
learned and recorded. Biography is history teaching by ex- 
ample. At the heart of a great cause is^ ever the heart of a 
great man. To know the cause one must know its central 
spirit. To the student these are the concrete expressions of 
great movements. Just as one finds back of all this wide, 
wonderful, beautiful world the personal God who made it 
and directs it, so one finds back of great religious move- 
ments virile leaders whose thoughts and acts are the best 
explanation of the transforming power of the cause they 
espoused. 

In the Church of the Brethren it is peculiarly true that we 
had great leaders — men whose towering leadership is of 
commanding influence to this day. That God should have 
given us leaders so great is cause for gratitude. That we 
should know them not is cause for merited reproach. That 
their names and their deeds should at last be concisely and 
carefully presented to us is cause for thankfulness. We can- 
not add to their glory. But we can profit by their high spir- 
itual devotion. They do not need us, but forever we need 
them. Marshals of God, they were, and ours is the high 
privilege of following where they led. 

It is fortunate that the record of their lives is here set 
forth by a sympathetic and devoted follower of the same 
common Father. It is most fortunate that Brethren Miller and 
Royer should have been led of God to present these pioneer 
worthies to us before the dust of the centuries should have 
obliterated their footsteps forever. Thanks to our beloved 
brethren in the faith they loved and lived, we can once more 
commune with sainted souls whose lives are benedictions and 
whose deeds are sacred legacies. That the reader of this 
valuable treatise will know more fully the meaning of the 
faith of the church is certain. That he will become a 
stauncher and steadier soldier of the cross is inevitable. That 
he may with increasing fervor and humility follow the Mas- 
ter of us all is my ardent prayer. M. G. Brumbaugh. 



PREFACE 

For a quarter of a century the senior author has been col- 
lecting photographs of the ministers of the Church of the 
Brethren with the hope that some day they might be of use. 
From Brother George W. Lentz, of Kansas City, Mo., came 
the suggestion of the use now made of some of them in 
these pages. No attempt has been made to give lengthy de- 
tails of the lives herewith presented to our readers. That 
task is left to others, who will here find the main facts in 
the lives of the fathers. It is the hope of the authors that 
this series of short biographies vsrill be helpful to those who 
read, in provoking them to good works. 

The plea of human limitation is entered. We have writ- 
ten of the good that men have accomplished in the world, 
and have had in mind things that are true, honest, just, pure, 
lovely and of good report, with virtue and praise. All men 
have their v/eaknesses. Human perfection is not absolute. 
The only Man who ever lived in this world and never made 
a mistake and was without sin was our Lord Jesus Christ. 
We can only approximate the Perfect Ideal. 

The work has been a labor of love from the beginning, and 
has been lightened by the helpful suggestion, the ample en- 
couragement and the valuable assistance g^ven us freely and 
cheerfully in collecting data for the work^ Without such aid 
the book would have been an impossibility. To our breth- 
ren and sisters who assisted us we express our indebtedness 
and hearty thanks. Credit so far as possible has been given 
in the book to those who so kindly assisted in sending data 
and facts concerning those of whom we have written. 

We have also found information in old and almost forgot- 
ten almanacs, in the issues of our church papers, in the 
Minutes of Annual Conferences, in the histories of our 
church, by Brethren Brumbaugh and Falkenstein, in the his- 



6 PREFACE 

tory of the "Tunkers" by Elder R. H. Holsinger, in the 
•* Life of Elder James Quinter," by Mary N. Quinter, and in 
the hfe of Elder R. H. Miller, by Elder Otho Winger. To 
these authors and sources we acknowledge our indebtedness. 

To no one man does the church owe a greater debt of 
gratitude than is due Brother Abram H. Cassel for his efforts 
in collecting and preserving the records of the early church 
fathers. He saved from oblivion and gave us the records 
from which our church historians draw th^r facts. 

We often hear the names of men who have acted well their 
part in life, and have departed, quoted in press and from 
pulpit and held up as examples worthy of imitation. It is 
our hope that such examples may here be found and held up 
as worthy of imitation, of high and noble lives that will in- 
cite others to make the best of their God-given opportunities 
in the world. 

D. L. Mnier, 
Galen B. Royer. 



CONTENTS 

Anthony, William A., 208 

Arnold, Charles Edward, 220 

Balsbaugh, Christian Hervey, 157 

Becker, Peter, 16 

Bomberger, Christian, 48 

Bowman, John A., 87 

Bowman, Joseph B., 171 

Bowman, George C, 164 

Bowman, Madison, 119 

Cassel, Abraham Harley, 121 

Ebersole, John P., 60 

Eby, Enoch, 153 

Fike, Samuel A., 125 

Forney, John, 94 

Garst, Henry, 113 

Gibson, Isham, 57 

Gish, James Rufus, 147 

Hamilton, Hiel, 76 

Hertzler, WiUiam, 151 

Holsinger, George Blackburn, 212 

Hoover Samuel W., 179 

Hope Christian, 190 

Keyser, Peter, 27 

Kline, John, 44 

Kurtz, Henry, 41 

Lahman, Joseph Christian, 161 

Long, David, 116 

Long, Isaac, 107 

Mack, Alexander, Jr., 23 

Mack, Alexander, Sr., 9 

Major, Mrs. Sarah Righter, 70 

Metzger, John, 66 



8 CONTENTS 

Miller, David Alfred, 205 

Miller, Robert Henry, 139 

Mohler, Samuel S., 167 

Moomaw, Benjamin Franklin, 90 

Murray, Samuel, 63 

Naas, Johannes, 13 

Nead, Peter, 38 

Oiler, Jacob F., 136 

Parker, Isaac Dillon, 198 

Price, Isaac, 54 

Puterbaugh, Amsey Hascall, 202 

Quinter, James, 97 

Saur, Christopher, 19 

Sayler, Daniel P., 83 

Snyder, Jacob S., 110 

Stauffer, Daniel F., 183 

Stoner, Ephraim, 173 

Sturgis, Daniel B., 79 

Thomas, Daniel, 128 

Thomas, Jacob, , 35 

Trostle, Jacob D., 144 

Umstad, John, 50 

Vaniman, Albert, • • 216 

Vaniman, Daniel, 175 

Wine, Jacob, 73 

Wine, Joseph, 134 

Wise, John, 131 

Wolfe, George, 31 

Zigler, Samuel, 103 

ZoUers, George D., 186 

Zuck, Jacob Martin, 194 



ALEXANDER MACK, SR. 



ALEXANDER MACK, SR. 

1679--1735. 

Although there may be some persons found that have 
thought that Luther and his coadjutors completed the great 
work of giving to the world a pure form of Christianity, this 
was by no means the case with all those who lived at the 
time of the Reformation, or in the times immediately suc- 
ceeding that memorable event. The spirit of inquiry had 
been awakened, the liberty of thought asserted. There were 
those who, by their investigation of Divine Truth, ascer- 
tained that not all error had been detected nor all truth dis- 
covered by the previous reformers, and they resolved to 
make the Christian tabernacle after the pattern taught and 
exemplified in the doctrines and lives of Christ and his 
apostles. 

Of this number was the faithful little band of eight per- 
sons, a number between which and that which peopled the 
world after the deluge a striking coincidence is observable. 
One of the prominent men among those eight persons was 
Alexander Mack, Sr., the subject of the following memoir. 

Alexander Mack, Sr., was born in Schriesheim, in the 
Electorate of Palatia^^ between Manheim and Heidelberg, in 
Germany. We may, in want of genealogical knowledge, take 
some consolation in the sentiment that, whatever regard is 
due to ancestry in forming an estimation of a person, he is 
to stand or fall mainly by his own personal character, and 
not by that of his ancestors. 

It appears that he descended from a very respectable and 
wealthy family. He was a Presbyterian and educated in 
the Calvinistic faith. Of his literary attainments we know 
nothing but what we can gather from his writings; and from 
these it does not appear that he had a classical education. 
His occupation was that of a miller, and he possessed a very 
profitable mill and a handsome patrimony, and several vine- 
yards at Schriesheim. 



10 SOME WHO LED 

In 1790 he was married to Anna Margaretha Klingin, a na- 
tive of the same place, and about his age.. As the fruits of 
their union there were born to them five children, three sons 
and two daughters, named as follows: John Valentine, Jo- 
hannes, Alexander, Christina, and Anna Maria. The daugh- 
ters died young. There is a large number of his descejnd- 
ants still living, and in membership with the Christian com- 
munity which their worthy ancestor did so much, as an 
humble instrument in the hands of God, to organize and es- 
tablish. Elder John Fox, of the Philadelphia church, was a 
descendant of his; Elder Jacob Mack, of Fayette County, 
and the Holsinger family, in Bedford County, Pa., of which 
there are several worthy ministers, are also descendants. 

Becoming dissatisfied with the religious system in which 
he was brought up, and being anxious to ascertain the mind 
of the Lord as revealed in the Scriptures, to this source was 
his attention directed in searching for the old paths. He be- 
came convinced, by his reading of the Scriptures, that an im- 
mersion in the water was the New Testament baptism, and 
a believer the only proper subject for the ordinance, and that 
the doctrines and practices set forth in his "Plain View of the 
Rites and Ordinances of the House of God " are such as be- 
lievers should receive and obey. Accordingly he and his 
wife and six others, in the year 1708, were immersed in the 
River Eder, and covenanted together to walk in all the com- 
mandments and ordinances of the Lord. 

Although considerable liberty of conscience was at first 
granted to persons at Schwarzenau, to those who resorted 
there to enjoy the liberty of practicing whatever they 
thought the Scriptures required, yet this liberty did not con- 
tinue long. The same spirit which actuated the great red 
dragon with seven heads and ten horns, that stood ready to 
devour the man child which the woman clothed with the sun 
was to bring forth (Rev. 12: 1-6), manifested itself at 
Schwarzenau, to devour the infant community which the 
truth had conceived and brought forth. But God protected 
it, although there was much to be endured and sacrificed 
by the faithful. And Alexander Mack, Sr., had a large share 
of persecution to endure. But he was prepared by the grace 



ALEXANDER MACK, SR. 11 

of God for the emergency. The truth was more precious to 
him than anything else, and while he could not buy it at 
any price he would sell it at no price. 

Although he was rich, yet out of love to his brethren he 
became poor, like his Master before him. The cruel hand 
of persecution frequently arrested the brethren and shut 
them up in prison. By paying the money which the laws re- 
quired as fines they had temporary releasement. By paying 
the fines, his handsome patrimony, fine vineyards, and profit- 
able mill were taken from him. He with his brethren sought 
refuge in different places from persecution, but could find 
none. A sad state of things, this, and painful to reflect upon! 

But he had his domestic afflictions to endure, as well as 
those arising from persecution. In 1720, twenty years after 
they were united in the bonds of matrimony, and twelve 
years after they were united to Christ by a living faith and 
a Gospel of obedience, his companion was taken from him by 
death. She found in death what her husband had sought in 
vain for on earth, a calm retreat from the storm of persecu- 
tion. Within one week of the death of his wife, his oldest 
daughter, then about six years old, died. It is said the child 
was uncommonly fond of its mother. And out of regard, 
perhaps, for the fondness which existed between mother 
and child, as well as out of regard for the circumstances of 
persecution under which father and child were placed, the 
Lord, in his goodness and wisdom, may have taken the little 
daughter to the quiet home of the mother, where it could 
enjoy her fond caresses, rather than leave it where it must 
endure the hardships and troubles of persecution in common 
with its father. Thus in about one week, in addition to the 
troubles consequent upon the great persecution which was 
then raging, he had to bear the loss of a kind Christian 
wife, and a dear little daughter. 

After seeking unsuccessfully for a retreat from persecu- 
tion in his native country, he, with his three sons and a 
number of his brethren, emigrated to Amertca in 1729, and 
settled as a poor man, — poor in this world's goods, but rich 
in faith, — on a small lot of ground near Germantown, in the 
vicinity of Philadelphia. Here he found rest from persecu- 



12 SOME WHO LED 

tion, and assisted Peter Becker in ministering in the Word 
to the church in Germantown. 

He, however, did not live long to enjoy the quietude of a 
home under the mild government. Six years after he came 
to America he closed his labors on earth. He was buried in 
the Upper Burying Ground of Germantown, and the following 
brief inscription, in the German language, marks the place: 
" Here rest the remains of A. M., born 1679, and died 1735, 
aged 56 years."i His Christian character appears to have 
been that of a primitive follower of Christ. Humility, zeal, 
self-denial and charity were conspicuous among the graces 
that adorned his character. The high estimation in which 
he was held among his brethren is seen in the circumstance 
that he was chosen by them to be their minister. He was 
the first minister in the little Christian community organized 
at Schwarzenau, in 1708, and labored zealously and success- 
fully to enlarge the borders of their Zion. Of his private 
character as a Christian father, we may infer favorably from 
the circumstance that all his sons become pious, and were 
united to the church before they had completed their sev- 
enteenth year. And what seems somewhat remarkable, they 
all made a public confession of religion in the seventeenth 
year of their age. 

His writings show that he was well acquainted with the 
Scriptures, and very anxious to adhere to the form of doc- 
trine contained therein. 

Such are the brief memoirs we have collected of Alexan- 
der Mack, Sr. And while we venerate his character, may we 
hanor the system of faith and practice which he and his co- 
adjutors handed down to us. 

Abridged. James Quinter. 

1 At this place his body rested until November 13, 1894, when 
It was removed to the cemetery at the Brethren church at Ger- 
mantown, Pa., where it now rests. Brother G. N. Falkenstein, 
with the assistance of others, had it removed from the now de- 
serted Upper Burying Ground to its present resting place. The 
place is marked»by a marble slab bearing the following inscrip- 
tion: "Alexander Mack, Sr., the first minister and organizer of 
the Church of the Brethren in the year 1708. Born at Schries- 
heim, Germany, 1679. Came to Germantown 1729. Removed 
from Axe's Burying Ground, 1894." 



JOHANNES NAAS 13 



JOHANNES NAAS 

1669 or 1670— May 12, 1741. 

Born near Norten, twelve miles north of Emden, in the 
province of Westphalia, Germany. Nothing is known of his 
parentage or under what training he received his ideals of 
life. He grew to manhood, taller by a head than the average 
of his fellows, broad shouldered, of a commanding appear- 
ance and a powerful frame. In the movement which brought 
forth the congregation of the Brethren at Creyfelt he ap- 
pears to have been one among the first. His natural en- 
dowments and deep piety soon marked him for the ministry. 
He accepted the call with a whole heart and preached the 
Word with power. Creyfelt was much too small in which 
to spend his energies, and he made a number of tours in 
surrounding provinces. In this manner he spread the faith 
rapidly and gathered believers into the fold. In 1715, while 
on one of these evangelistic journeys, and accompanied by 
Jacob Priesz, he was met by the army recruiting officer for 
the king of Prussia. The officer as soon as he set eyes on 
him saw how desirable Brother Naas would be in the army 
and at once seized him and undertook to press him into serv- 
ice. But though he inflicted many tortures even to hanging 
him for a while by cords tied around the great toe and 
thumb, he did not succeed. Then the officer took him be^ 
fore the king. Here Brother Naas replied to the question 
concerning his refusal. "My Captain is the Great Prince Im- 
manuel, our Lord Jesus Christ. I have espoused his cause 
and cannot and will not forsake him." During his missionary 
journeys he endured many privations and suffered much per- 
secution, but this only whetted his zeal. 

Brother Naas was a preacher of more than ordinary abil- 
ity. Wherever he went his messages commanded marked at- 
tention and men and women cried out to be saved. His la- 



14 SOME WHO LED 

bors extended along the River Rhine, for Alexander Mack, 
Jr., makes mention of a special baptism performed by Naas 
to show that applicants, even though sick, were baptized in 
the open stream, without physical harm. The instance re- 
ferred to is one of a sister who had been sick and wanted 
to be immersed. Naas went to her bedside and said, " Have 
you faith that this work of the Lord can yet be performed 
to your sick body?" To her reply in the affirmative he said, 
"I also believe it; so let it be undertaken by thee." 

In church government he was mild and charitable to the 
erring and thus endeared himself greatly to his membership. 
As bishop of the congregation at Creyfelt his work was most 
marked until the following occurred: Christian Libe was 
an eloquent evangelist in those days. He preached all 
along the Rhine into Switzerland, where finally he was 
arrested and sent to the galleys to work with criminals for 
two years. After he gained his liberty through purchase he 
settled in the Creyfelt congregation. He had much zeal but 
lacked greatly in wisdom and knowledge. His eloquence had 
won him a large following, and in an effort to expel a certain 
young minister he opposed Bishop Naas and carried his 
point. This thoroughly disheartened Naas, who seems to 
have moved to Switzerland. Here Alexander Mack, Sr., who 
had high regard for him, found him and urged him to forget 
the Creyfelt trouble and come to America. This he decided 
to do.i After a stormy voyage, the account of which is pre- 
served through a letter to his son in Bern, Switzerland, they 
landed in Philadelphia some time near Sept. 1, 1733. The 
party was met by Alexander Mack, Sr., and brethren and sis- 
ters who went out to meet them in small boats and give them 
fresh food and water. Brother Naas located near Amwell 
and founded the Amwell congregation. Under his shepherd- 
ing it prospered rapidly and he continued its beloved bishop 
till his death. It is said that this Amwell congregation is the 
spiritual birthplace of more members of the Brethren than 
any congregation in the Brotherhood. 

1 Abraham Cassel says in Brethren Almanac of 1872 that Broth- 
er Naas came to America in 1729 with the second company of 
Brethren, settled at Germantown till 1733, when he moved to 
Amwell. 



JOHANNES NAAS 15 

Perhaps to seek to eifect some reconciliation in the Beissel 
trouble Brother Naas, with some other brethren, visited 
Ephrata, Pa., in 1736. Even if he did not get to see Beissel, 
he was pleased with his journey, especially with the attention 
the members gave to their children. Later in life he seems to 
have met Beissel, formed a good opinion of him and es- 
teemed his friendship to the last. 

George Adam Martin, a cotemporary, speaks of Brother 
Naas as an " incomparable teacher *' and a " blessed teacher." 
His conversation was very edifying. He had a " great and 
sound mind," and "unusual ability and power." "He had a 
strong personality. Some characterized him as the German 
Whitefield; others as Boanerges. Well educated, poetical in 
tastes, his ability as a writer has been preserved in a collec- 
tion of hymns, "The Little Harp," a book published in Bal- 
timore; second edition, in 1797, by Samuel Sower, son of 
Bishop Christopher Sower, of Germantown. 

He was married twice, left one son and one daughter in 
Switzerland, and one daughter, Elizabeth, came to America 
with him. She married Hannes Landis, who finally united 
with the Church of the Brethren at Conestoga, Pa. Brother 
Naas* body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Amwell, N. 
J., but no stone marks his grave. 

Four stanzas of hymn by Naas in "The Little Harp," 
translated from the German: 

1. One thing grieves me much on the earth, that so few 
are saved: Oh, what am I to do, because so many people are 
dying, and going to miserable destruction? Who can help 
but be concerned? 

2. Alas! How can it happen that so many go to ruin, 
alike from all ranks? A few enter into life, but numberless 
are those that are outside. Oh, what can be the cause? 

3. Very easily is this answered, for men full of envyings 
live not as pleases God, but follow only their own lusts, as 
if they did not know better that the way to heaven is narrow. 

4. Oh, what vanity is to be seen! Behold how proudly 
men pretend to go about, each wanting to be the greatest. 
Pride increases every day, and men strive only after great 
honors. Can one go thus to heaven? 



16 SOME WHO LED 



PETER BECKER 

1687— March 19, 1758. 

Born in Dilsheim, Germany, amidst the turbulent religious 
conditions that made divisions cut deep and wide, brought 
persecutions without mercy and drove men to long separa- 
tions as they sought more favorable places to worship God 
with freedom of conscience. Learning the weaver's trade 
Peter was always able to make a good living for those de- 
pendent upon him. His parents were Presbyterian and 
reared their children with all sobriety and discipline in its 
tenets. Peter received a good education, too, for his time 
and was thus well prepared for life. 

When twenty-seven years old, however, he united with the 
Church of the Brethren in the congregation at Creyfelt, Ger- 
many. In the unfortunate division over a point of discipline 
that was led by Christian Libe.i Brother Becker took the 
lenient side and was so wounded at the course the opposi- 
tion took that he determined to seek more congenial sur- 
roundings in which to worship. A few pious families shared 
his feelings and they were persuaded to come to America in 
the hope of finding what their hearts so much longed for. 

As early as 1688 such men of Quaker faith as Pastorius, the 
Up de Graffs and Hendricks had already made protest against 
American slavery as practiced in some of the Colonies, and 
the ideal and spirit manifested in such a stand appealed to 
Brother Becker. Thither, then, he and his party sailed, 
landing at Philadelphia in the fall of 1719 and becoming the 
first colony of members of the Church of the Brethren in 
America. The voyage was filled with horrors; poor food, 
great hunger, much sickness, many deaths, maddened with 
trial, overcome by homesickness, through severe storms and at 
the mercy of the winds, these fathers, who planted the faith 

iSee "Life of Johannes Naas." 



PETER BECKER 17 

of the Brethren on American soil, endured nearly six months 
of a voyage, simply for religious freedom, the like of which 
in these later days cannot be understood. Yet the church 
today is heir to this sacrifice and should never forget the 
travail of soul in which she was born. 

Brother Becker bought twenty-three acres of land in what 
is now Germantown, tilled the soil and worked at his trade, 
a happy, prosperous man for his times. As minister and 
first bishop of the first congregation of the Brethren in 
America he labored in spiritual tenderness to the end. 

He was married to Anna Dorothy Partman, a woman of 
great piety. Through their children, Mary Harley and Eliz- 
abeth Stump, many descendants may be found all over the 
United States. Old age and loneliness prompting Brother 
Becker to retire from farm life, in 1747 he moved to Ship- 
pack to live with his daughter Mary, the wife of Rudolph 
Harley. Here life to him was all his heart could desire. 
The Prices and other congenial companions were near him, 
and his last days in Indian Creek congregation were a joy, 
while he in turn was a blessing to every one. At a ripe old 
age he came peacefully to the close of life. 

Not long after his arrival in America he took into his 
home Conrad Beissel, who was working out apprenticeship 
as a weaver under him. Brother Becker taught him the 
way of the Lord and had the joy of receiving him into the 
church by baptism. Finally Beissel moved to Conestoga, 
and, much to the great heartache of our Brother Becker, be- 
came a leader of a division against him. In this our brother 
suffered many things unjustly, saw the members of the 
flocks of his planting, forsaking him, and his heart was 
bowed down in grief. But before he closed his labors he had 
the assurance from Beissel, who was so greatly indebted for 
past favors, that the censure of the unfortunate division did 
not rightly belong to him. 

Bishop Becker was tenderly laid to rest in the Indian 
Creek cemetery. A stone with this inscription thereon: 
"Anno 1758 P. B." marked his resting place, but after years 
sank from sight. In an unusual way the lost grave was re- 



18 



SOME WHO LED 



stored by Abram Cassel, great great-grandson. He erected 
a fitting stone to Brother Becker's memory in 1886. 

Bishop Becker was faithful in the work entrusted to him. 
The Lord laid it upon him to organize most of the early 
congregations of the Brethren. His interest in the cause 
led him to travel more than any of his cotemporaries. Per- 
haps to this organizer of first churches in America, as well 
as bishop of the first congregation, more credit is due than 
the church in later years thinks to give him. He earnestly 
contended for the faith, though not a gifted preacher. His 
judgment was sound, his words wise and well spoken and 
his tact and moderation in all things placed him far above 
his fellows. He was unusually strong in prayer, and many 
of his most effectual messages reached the heart through his 
hymns. A few of these have been preserved in a book called 
"The Little Harp," published by Samuel Sower. 







.<^ ^' " 







.- F'Z'^'''r<m 




'm^^dm^^m>^^^ 



CHRISTOPH SAUR (SOWER) 19 



CHRISTOPH SAUR (SOWER) 

1693— September 25, 1758. 

Born in Laasphe, a village of Wittgenstein, in Westphalia, 
Germany. His birthplace being not far from Berleberg 
and Schwarzenau, two centers of great educational and re- 
ligious activity, his early life received the impress of turbu- 
lent conditions which were producing sects, divisions and 
persecutions and led many to leave home and country for 
religious freedom. It was a time of " protesting " against 
religious life, so cold and formal in the state church. In his 
early life no doubt with his parents he worshiped in the Re- 
formed Lutheran church. They had high ambitions for their 
son and sought to make his career a successful one. He 
learned the spectacle trade and later in life added it as one 
of his lines of industry. He graduated from the Marburg 
University, of Germany, the first founded (1527) of the lar- 
ger Protestant educational institutions. Later he went to 
Halle and took a course in medicine in Francke's school. 
Thus prepared for life, blessed with vigorous natural en- 
dowments, it is no surprise to find later his diversi- 
fied pursuits and wonderful success. 

Christoph Saur married one who once is mentioned as 
Maria Christina, and to them an only son was born. He 
was given his father's name and in his maturity became 
bishop of the Germantown congregation. 

Some influence, unknown today, prompted Saur and fam- 
ily to join a party of emigrants to America, and in the fall of 
1724 they arrived in Germantown to begin life in a new 
world. Attracted, perhaps, by Conrad Beissel's work at 
Ephrata, in the spring of 1726 he moved upon a fifty-acre 
farm in Leacock township, Lancaster County, Pa. Here he 
blended farming and the practice of medicine, perhaps with 
doubtful success in the former. He soon became interested 
in his own salvation, and according to his own letter he. 



20 SOME WHO LED 

with two others, was baptized by Beissel on Whitsunday of 
1728. His wife manifested a still deeper interest in the Beis- 
sel movement, the Seventh Day Adventist Brethren, and 
in 1730, forsaking her home, husband and son, entered into 
full fellowship and became a nun. She was made sub- 
prioress of the sisterhood in the house at Ephrata, and giv- 
en the name Sister Marcella. She remained faithful to her 
vow until November, 1744, when, through the influence of 
her son, she returned to her home in Germantown. Com- 
plete reconciliation on her part, however, was not effected 
until June 20, 1745, when she again took upon herself the 
full relations of the home. 

These were sad, lonely years for Saur and his son. In 
1731 they returned to Germantown, purchased six acres of 
land within the present limits of the city of Germantown, 
and built a house sixty by sixty feet, two stories and attic, 
in the lower part of which he began business as an optician. 
Later he added clock-making and apothecary departments. 

In 1738 he bought in Germany a printing outfit, consisting 
of a secondhand press and some type. It is presumed that it 
was purchased from the Brethren at Berleberg and had been 
used by them to print the old historic Berleberg Bible, so 
highly prized by the early church. At once he began book 
publishing. His first was an A B C and spelling-book, which 
the publisher announced could be used by any one irre- 
spective of religious convictions. In 1739 the first Almanac 
. published in German in America was sent out. Later this 
appeared in two colors and contained not only information 
about the weather, the signs, and so on, but much valuable 
information about medicines and their uses. The Beissel 
faction wanted a large hymnbook, and he printed it, — one of 
the largest hymnbooks ever printed in America. From this 
till 1758 over three hundred different works went forth from 
his press. Among them was the Saur Bible, published in 
1743, a book containing 1,248 pages, 7^ X 10 inches. Almost 
insurmountable difficulties had to be overcome in printing 
this book. Type had to be made, — hammered out by hand 
on the anvil; small sections had to be printed and stored 
away until the entire book was ready for binding. But this 



CHRISTOPH SAUR (SOWER) 21 

Bible was published forty years before Aitken issued his 
first Bible in English. No better characterization of the ex- 
tent of Saur's work and influence can be given than this:i 

" Could you have entered any German home from New 
York to Georgia in 1754 and asked, 'Who is Christoph 
Saur? ' you would have learned that in every German home 
the Bible, opened morning and evening, was printed in 1743 
by Christoph Saur; that the sanctuary and hearth were 
wreathed in music from the DAVIDISCHE PSALTER- 
SPIEL, printed by Christoph Saur; that the family alma- 
nac, rich in medicinal and historic data, and containing the 
daily weather guide of the family, was printed by Christoph 
Saur in 1739, and every year thereafter until his death, in 
1758, and then by his son until 1778; that the religious mag- 
azine, prized with pious ardor and read with profound appre- 
ciation, was printed by Christoph Saur; that the secular 
newspaper, containing all the current domestic and foreign 
news, linking the farm of the German with the whole wide 
world, was printed in 1739 by Christoph Saur; that the ink 
and paper used in sending letters to loved ones across the 
sea came from the shop of Christoph Saur, and was of his 
own manufacture; that the new six-plate stove, glowing in 
the long winter evenings with warmth and welcome, was in- 
vented and sold by Christoph Saur; that the medicine that 
brought health to the sick was compounded by Dr. Chris- 
toph Saur; that the old clock, telling the hours, the months 
and phases of the moon, in yon corner of the room, was 
made by Christoph Saur; that almost every book upon the 
table was printed by Christoph Saur, upon his own press, 
with type and ink of his own manufacture, and bound in his 
own bindery; that the dreadful abuses and oppressions they 
suffered in crossing the Atlantic had been lessened by the 
heroic protests to Gov. Denny of one man, and that man was 
Christoph Saur; that sick emigrants upon landing at Phila- 
delphia were met by a warm friend who conveyed them in 
carriages to his own house, and without money and without 
price nursed them to health, had the Gospel of the Savior 

1 Extract from inaugural address by Dr. M. G. Brumbaugh be- 
fore the State Teachers' Association of Pennsylvania at Bellefonte, 
Pa., July 5, 1898. 



22 



SOME WHO LED 



preached to them, and sent them rejoicing and healed into 
their wilderness homes, and that friend was Christoph Saur; 
that in short, the one grandest German of them all, loved 
and followed most devoutly, was Christoph Saur, the Good 
Samaritan of Germantown." 
He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Germantown, Pa. 







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ALEXANDER MACK, JR. 23 



ALEXANDER MACK, JR. 

January 25, 1712— March 20, 1803. 

Born in Schwarzenau, Germany. Oldest of three sons of 
Alexander Mack, the founder of the Church of the Brethren 
in Schwarzenau, and his wife, Anna Margaretha. The son 
had good educational advantages and made use of them. At 
sixteen he united with the Church of the Brethren and be- 
came at once a very active, zealous member. The next year 
his father's family moved to Germantown, Pa., and " San- 
der," — as he preferred out of humility to sign his name be- 
cause to him his full name was too dignified, — learned the 
weaver's trade. He was successful and widely known for 
the stockings, caps and skirts he manufactured. He lived 
exceedingly simple, had few wants to supply, and saved as 
much as possible, with the hope some day, as he wrote his 
brother, he could " eat my own bread, yet, under the bless- 
ings of God." This he accomplished to a fair degree, for 
he closed life owning thirty aores of land near Germantown 
and twenty-three acres of woodland not far away. 

On January 1, 1749, he was married to Elizabeth Nice, 
daughter of William Nice. To them were born two sons 
and six daughters, and from this family numerous descend- 
ants have arisen. 

Physically Mack was strong, and retained his forces well 
to the close of life. One day, when eighty-two years old, 
he walked ten miles. 

But greatest interest centers in his religious career. 

Upon the arrival of the family in Philadelphia, young 
Mack at once became a spirited exhorter on Sunday after- 
noons to the unmarried people of the congregation. But in 
1736, after the death of his father, he was greatly depressed, 
concluded he would die, and made disposition of his property 
by a will. At this critical time one Stephen Koch took an 



24 SOME WHO LED 

interest in him, and soon the strange doctrines of this man 
were reflected in Mack's utterances. The year following he 
joined Koch and another in establishing a small monastery 
on Wissahickon. This should not be confused with the 
large, historic one still remaining as a landmark in the vicin- 
ity; for the one established by these three soon was for- 
saken and on March 21, 1738, with others Mack joined the 
Ephrata society. Here he manifested many phases of spirit- 
ual unrest and outbursts of enthusiasm. He was known as 
Brother Timotheus. But all did not go well, even within 
the walls supposed to have shut out so much of the world 
and the devil. For about this time a rivalry grew up between 
Beissel, the superintendent, and Eckerlin, the prior, who 
sought to become superintendent. Mack sided in with 
Eckerlin and became a close associate. The tension grew 
so intense that in 1744 Eckerlin, with three others. Mack be- 
ing one of them, started on a long journey, hoping absence 
would help to relieve the situation. They visited Amwell, 
N. J., Barnegat, by the sea, New London, where they had 
largely-attended meetings, and on to New York, where they 
were arrested on the supposition that they were Jesuits. 
They were liberated through a friend. Upon their final re- 
turn to Ephrata they found the trouble no less. Eckerlin, 
disheartened, traveled " towards the setting sun four hun- 
dred miles." 

If Mack went along with Eckerlin he soon returned, for in 
1748 record shows that he had lived long enough in German- 
town to win the confidence of the people, even after his way- 
wardness and restlessness, for he was appointed in joint 
oversight with Christoph Saur over the Germantown con- 
gregation. The appointment was " on trial," so the record 
runs; five years after by laying on of hands these men, on 
June 10, 1753, were ordained bishops. 

Mack made an unusually good bishop. He served the 
church in that capacity over fifty years. Though quiet, re- 
served, guarding well against sinful innovations, he was still 
tender to the erring and had a warm heart for the penitent. 
He would salute an applicant for membership before bap- 
tism, calling him brother. In greatest reluctance after over 



ALEXANDER MACK, JR. 25 

a year of prayerful exhortation and labor he would "set 
back" from the bread and wine and salutation an erring 
brother who would not heed his pleadings. 

He was not a powerful preacher, but his pen ministry was 
perhaps much larger than that of any other member of the 
early church. Many of his letters are preserved and reflect 
the ideals and spirit of the day. He was an author of prom- 
inence, defending well the doctrines of the Brethren in a 
number of able treatises. In addition he was among the best 
of poetsi and hymn writers of the early church. Being ex- 
ceedingly thoughtful for the poor, he never missed an op- 
portunity of helping the needy everywhere. 

He seemed to realize his end was near. He rarely visited 
the members of his own family in his own town during his 
declining years. But one Sunday, in the latter part of 1802, 
he went home after church with his daughter, Hannah Weav- 
er, and before departing gave her a slip of paper which 
proved to be the, epitaph for his tomb. He had placed the 
year, and left the month and day to be supplied, and missed 
it but a few months. His body lies with those early leaders 
in the cemetery at Germantown. 

ALEXANDER MACK'S LAST BIRTHDAY HYMN, 1802 

(Translated from the German) 

1802, January 28. 

Before the mountains were made 
And the world was created, 
God loved the gates of Zion, 
Just as now and forevermore. 
And out of pure loving 
He has written us in the book of life 
Whoever signs his name thereto, 
Will remain in blessed state. 

The poor pilgrim whom the mercy of God has sustained 
unto his 90th year has written this yet with his own hand. 

Sander Mack. 



iSee "The Religious Poetry of Alexander Mack, Jr.," by Heck- 
man. 1912. Brethren Publishing House, Elgin, Illinois. 



26 SOME WHO LED 

A SAMPLE OF LETTER BY ALEXANDER MACK, JR.i 

Creyfelt, the 29th December, 1772. 

In Jesus the Crucified, Much-beloved Brother: — 

I have received thy beloved letter and read it in compas- 
sionate love and have found in it first thy loving solicitude 
that no one of us some day should be found a wicked serv- 
ant; because as thou so well remarkest, the day approaches 
on which we have much cause to implore Jesus, the true 
Light of the world, to give us single eye so that our body 
be light. . . . Oh, my dear one, who walks thus in simplicity, 
he walks safely. May the Lord give light to the eyes of our 
understanding that we miss not the footprints of our Good 
Shepherd in anything whatsoever. 

What else thou reportest, that thou hast no assurance yet 
of being forgiven of thy sins, that is not a bad sign, for God 
reserves this privilege for Himself in His own loving power 
so full of wisdom, when, where, and how He will give to a 
repentant sinner the assurance that his sins are fully for- 
given to him. 

... If now the Lord should not be willing to give thee an 
entire assurance of the forgiveness of thy sins until thou 
hadst been baptized it would be nothing new nor unusual, 
but an experience which has happened to many before thee 
and me. However the kind hand of God is bound by noth- 
ing, but He gives and takes as it is good for His children and 
can serve to their best. Let us on our part only try to be- 
come true to God. I have wondered somewhat that thou 
hast postponed thy baptism until spring, as thou dost not 
know if thou wilt live until then. 

Be heartily greeted and kissed in the spirit and recom- 
mended to the grace of God. My wife and children send 
greetings too. Also greet thy dear parents and whoever of 
thy brothers and sisters is willing to accept a greeting. I am 
thy humble brother, Sander Mack. 

To the dear brother, Johannes Pieisz [John Price]. To be 
opened at his pleasure. 

1 Prom pp. 239-243 Brumbaugh's "History of the Brethren," 
Brethren Publishing House, Elgin, Illinois. 



PETER KEYSER 



27 



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1 



PETER KEYSER 

November 9, 1766— May 21, 1849. 

Elder Peter Keyser was a direct descendant of a notable 
Mennonite family of Europe. They suffered persecution, as 
did our own brethren, and one of the family, Leonard Key- 
ser, was publicly burned at the stake in August, 1527, be- 
cause he strenuously refused to renounce his religious con- 
victions. They were driven from place to place by the cruel- 
ty of their persecutors, until finally the family found refuge 
in the principal city of Holland, Amsterdam. Here they 
found rest for a time, but in 1668 Peter Dirck Keyser, the 
great grandfather of our Bishop Keyser, came to America 



28 SOME WHO LED 

and settled at Germantown, Pa. Here with others he found 
liberty to serve God, as he believed, according to his Word, 
and here the subject of this memoir was born November 
9, 1766. His father was the first of the Keyser family to 
unite with the Church of the Brethren. He was baptized 
by Alexander Mack October 5, 1769. 

When the boy, Peter Keyser, Jr., was in his eighteenth 
year he was brought under conviction and had his second 
birth. He was received into church fellowship by Christian 
baptism, administered by Bishop Martin Urner, September 
28, 1784. He was possessed of a remarkable aptitude for 
learning, was quick of perception and had a wonderful mem- 
ory. His natural powers made it easy for him to commit en- 
tire chapters of the Scriptures to memory and this gave him 
unusual prominence among his associates and friends, and 
doubtless stimulated him to greater efforts in committing the 
Bible to memory. The remark was once made by the Rev. 
Dr. Philip F. Mayer that, " if by some accident, every copy 
of the Scriptures should be destroyed, it could be restored so 
long as Peter Keyser lived." The author of " Eminent Phil- 
adelphians," says of Brother Keyser: "He had the most in- 
timate knowledge of the sacred Scriptures, both in English 
and German, and it is doubtful whether any other man 
could repeat them more accurately than he. It appeared 
as though he remembered the very words, verses and chap- 
ters of the entire Bible.'* 

The following incident will reveal how he obtained his 
knowledge of God's Word. His father was a tanner and it 
was young Peter's task to attend the bark mill and keep the 
horse attached it moving. Above the hopper of the mill he 
attached a shelf where he placed his Bible, and while the 
grinding was going on he committed to memory chapter 
after chapter of the Scriptures. Thus by using every mo- 
ment of time he committed the entire New Testament and 
the greater part of the Old to memory. He not only read 
the Bible through, but got the Bible through him, which is, 
after all, the only way to salvation. His example is worthy 
of all imitation and is heartily commended to the young of 
the present generation. Soon after he united with the church 



PETER KEYSER 29 

he was called to the ministry. This occurred in 1785, and 
in 1802 he was ordained to the bishopric, in which office he 
faithfully served forty-seven years. He was called home 
May 21, 1849, in the same house in which, as he took pleas- 
ure in relating, he was twice born; first into this world, 
and second into the kingdom of God. He was in his eighty- 
third year and had walked with God for many years, and 
the Lord took him and he was not. 

He was bishop of the Germantown and Philadelphia 
churches forty-seven years, succeeding Alexander Mack in 
charge of the Germantown church, and was the third elder 
of that church after its organization in 1723. When the 
Philadelphia church was organized, in 1813, it was placed 
under Bishop Keyser's charge and care, and he faithfully 
and ably discharged his duties to the churches. It is be- 
lieved that the Church of the Brethren has never produced 
a greater orator, a minister with a deeper or more profound 
knowledge of the Scriptures, or a preacher of greater elo- 
quence and efficiency in the pulpit. He drew large audiences 
and was considered by all churches as one of the great 
preachers of his time. 

In his later years he lost his eyesight, but this did not in- 
terfere with his work as a minister, for he continued to 
preach with unabated zeal and vigor to the end. When he 
became blind he would take his place on the stand, open his 
Bible and repeat an entire chapter without missing a single 
word, and would then preach an able sermon. The stranger, 
if present, would never have suspected that he was blind and 
was reading by the inner light of his marvelous memory. If 
the deacons in reading a chapter, as was the custom in those 
days, omitted a word in his presence he would at once cor- 
rect them. 

Brother Keyser was a man of great physical strength and 
endurance. Like King Saul, he was "higher than all the peo- 
ple." He was six feet and three inches tall, rather spare in 
form, without an ounce of extra flesh on his body, muscles of 
steel-like quality, a natural athlete, and was capable of doing 
an immense amount of labor and study. For many years it 
was his custom to rise at four o'clock in the morning and 



30 SOME WHO LED 

devote the early hours of the day to reading and study until 
the time came for him to go to his place of business. In 
this way he kept his mental powers keen and active, and 
himself abreast of the times in which he lived. He also, by 
using his memory, kept it unimpaired even to old age. 

He continued with his father in the tanning business until 
1794, when he moved to the city of Philadelphia and engaged 
largely in the lumber business. He was scrupulously honest 
in all his business relations and had a high reputation for in- 
tegrity as a business man. The fact that he was held in high 
esteem is attested by the fact that for many years he served 
the city as secretary of the Board of Health, secretary and 
treasurer of the Society for the Alleviation of the Suffering 
in the Public Prisons, and when the public school system 
was adopted by the State he was director and controller of 
the city schools. He served in these various offices for the 
good of his fellow-men until he retired from active business 
life. In 1828 he moved to his estate and old home at Ger- 
mantown, where he lived and labored for the church until 
the Lord called him to his reward. Such was his fidelity to 
the principles he espoused that in all his extensive business 
career he never brought suit against any one, nor was he 
ever sued. 

It was truthfully said of him as of one of old: "He was 
eyes to the blind, feet to the lame, a father to the poor, and 
the cause he knew not he searched out." 



GEORGE WOLFE 



31 




GEORGE WOLFE 

April 25, 1780— November 16, 1865. 

Born in Lancaster County, Pa., second son of Bishop 
George Wolfe; the older son called Jacob. Parents on both 
sides were of German descent. In 1787 the Wolfe family 
moved to Fayette County, Pa., and located on a farm about 
ten miles from Uniontown. George's life was spent on the 
farm, with practically no educational advantages. He 
seems to have learned enough about boating to assist his 
father to build rafts, for in 1800 the family sailed down the 
Ohio River on rafts of their own construction and settled 
in Muhlenberg County, Ky. Members from the South, 



32 SOME WHO LED 

perhaps from North Carolina, had located here, forming a 
splendid little church colony in the wilderness.. 

Here on March 3, 1803, George and Anna Hunsicker were 
united in marriage. She proved to be a great help to him 
and was permitted to live with him till near the close of his 
life. To them were born six sons and two daughters. 

The sons, George and Jacob, for some reason migrated to 
Union County, 111., in 1808. At that time there were no set- 
tlements of members closer than in Cape Girardeau County, 
Mo. In fact, white people were very sparsely found through 
all of Illinois. The year following the father came to visit 
his sons and made a preaching tour of southern Illinois and 
eastern Missouri. On this tour he died, and was buried at 
Kaskaskia, a town about fifty miles north of where the sons 
lived. 

All the Mississippi Valley was repeatedly shaken up by 
earthquakes in the year 1811, and this natural phenomenon 
stirred these frontier people to think of their Creator. A 
great revival wave passed over the settlements. The Meth- 
odists held a revival in Union County, and George professed 
faith in Jesus Christ. He was elected class leader, and this 
new responsibility put a serious turn in his mind. Not sat- 
isfied with the faith he was professing, and not forgetful of 
the rearing of his Christian home, he asked the class to send 
for one of the Brethren back in Kentucky to come and 
preach for them. This messenger met Brother John Hen- 
dricks on his way to Union County, who, when arriving, held 
meetings and baptized George and all of his class. George 
was the first of the party to receive baptism, and perhaps 
was the first person received into church membership in Illi- 
nois. 

The same year George was called to the ministry, and in 
the following year, 1813, by the laying on of hands Elders 
John Hochstettler and Hahn ordained him. He received his 
commission as from heaven, threw his whole life and ability 
into proclaiming the Word in the wilds of Union and ad- 
joining counties, and for nineteen years labored most asidu- 
ously for the Master. He faltered not at debate. On one 
occasion he held a debate with a Catholic priest. The inter- 



GEORGE WOLFE 33 

est was so great that the governor of the State attended, and 
said of Bro. Wolfe's presentation of truth, " He is the pro- 
foundest man, for an illiterate man, I ever ever heard." So 
complete was truth magnified on this occasion that the gov- 
ernor thought it well to send a detachment of soldiers to es- 
cort Brother Wolfe from the place, lest the opposition would 
harm him. 

It is interesting to note that because of lack of communica- 
tion with the churches in the East these brethren should in- 
troduce some practices not endorsed by the church till later 
in her history. Among these was single mode of feet-wash- 
ing. 

At least as early as 1829 George made a tour northward as 
far as Adams County, for in this year he solemnized the first 
marriage and preached the first sermon in Liberty township 
of that county. Then, in 1831, his family, with a number of 
other families, settled in Adams County and a congregation 
was organized. The same fall the first love feast was held. 

From this center he sallied forth on horseback in behalf of 
his Master and visited and preached in Morgan, Sangamon 
and Macoupin Counties for thirty-five years. In 1853 the 
ferryman at Naples, 111., said, " I have ferried Eld. Wolfe 
over the river nearly every year for the last twenty-five 
years." Those were the days when the Word was precious 
and the visit of the minister was most appreciated because 
his visits were rarely more than annually. The sermons, 
sometimes two hours long, were not too long. People lis- 
tened. They hungered and thirsted and the Lord filled them. 
As one who often heard him said, " His manner of preaching, 
like his presence, was commanding, yet as gentle as a child. 
His language was simple, easily understood by a child, and 
yet a philosopher would listen to it spellbound. I have often 
heard him preach two hours, but never knew any one to 
leave the congregation because he was not interested. In 
some respects he was the greatest preacher I ever heard. 
His great theme was the love of God. I never saw the man 
who sat under his artless eloquence but that rose up with 
the feeling that * I am a better man.* He seemed so strik- 



34 SOME WHO LED 

ing in personality and uniform in deportment that no one 
who once saw him ever forgot him." 

Near the close of life he spoke in this manner of his work: 
" I have preached the Gospel over fifty years. I labored 
much when Illinois was a wilderness. My work is now near- 
ly done. I have, like Paul, finished my course, and if, when 
eternity shall dawn, and I gaze with enraptured vision on 
the mighty hosts of the redeemed, there shall be in that 
mighty throng, one soul numbered with the blest because I 
worked, prayed and preached I shall be fully repaid for my 
labors here." 

He was " over six feet tall, weighed about 275 pounds, had 
broad shoulders, surmounted by a massive head, having 
arched eyebrows, a keen eye and possessed a voice full of 
melody and force." 

Mentally, though untrained, he developed the mind of a 
scholar. Logical in his argument, analytic in thought, and 
well poised in spirituality, he swept everything before him 
as he spoke of things heavenly. 

His tomb is near Libertyville, 111. Thereon is inscribed 
this simple inscription: 

GEORGE WOLFE 

was born 
April 25, 1780. 

Died 
November 16, 1865. 

"Now, just as the gates were opened to let in the men, I 
looked in after them and beheld the streets were also paved 
with gold; and in them walked many men with crowns upon 
their heads, palms in their hands and golden harps to sing 
praise withal. There were also of them that had wings, and 
they answered one another without intermission, saying, 
* Holy, holy, holy is the Lord! ' After that they shut up the 
gates; which, when I had seen, I wished myself among 
them." — John Bunyan. 



JACOB M. THOMAS 



35 




JACOB M. THOMAS 

March 15, 1795— November 21, 1881. 

Born on a farm in Conemaugh township, Somerset Coun- 
ty, Pa., oldest child in a family of seven sons and three 
daughters of Michael and Magdalena Maust Thomas. The 
parents were hardy pioneers in a rough country; the father 
Welsh and the mother of German descent, and both were 
members of the Church of the Brethren. In 1810 the family 
moved to Markleysburg, Pa., near the West Virginia line, 
where Michael reared his family. Jacob worked on his fa- 
ther's farm, took advantage of the little schooling those 
early days afforded, and grew into manhood unsullied by the 



36 SOME WHO LED 

glare and temptation of the city. In 1818 he married Mary 
Fike, bought a farm about eight miles from his father's home, 
settled down and lived there the rest of his life. By this 
marriage four sons and six daughters were born. His first 
wife dying, he married again. As a business man and a 
farmer his success is measured in the fact that with his own 
labor he and his wife owned a good 175 acre farm, and be- 
sides aided much in works of charity. 

When thirty-five years old he united with the Church of 
the Brethren and was from the start an earnest student of 
the Bible. He could read German and English equally well, 
had a wonderful memory, and soon had a storehouse of bib- 
lical knowledge that was a great help to him all through life. 
Where he and his bride located there was no churchhouse; 
neither was there any minister. They were glad for the 
messages that came to them through occasional visits. Their 
homes were always open for these services. In the year 
1835 the Sandy Creek congregation was organized, and a 
year later Jacob was called to the ministry. Earnestly did 
he contend for the faith, and stir the hearts of the people. 
The congregation grew and Brother Thomas grew in the 
work. In 1841 he was ordained, and as far as can be learned 
was the first bishop ordained in the First District of West 
Virginia, and perhaps in the whole State. Under his shep- 
herding the congregation increased rapidly. Soon a large 
house, named Salem, was erected. This was much enjoyed 
by a people who had been holding their meetings and love 
feasts in barns and homes under many discomforts. His use- 
fulness was not confined to his home congregation; neither 
did he wish to center all his labors in so narrow a limit. 
Astride his horse, with Bible in hand, he went forth and 
planted the seed of the Gospel over a large territory of Penn- 
sylvania, West Virginia, and even over into Maryland. Some 
of these journeys he took in company with Brethren Samuel 
Fike and Jacob Bueghly, and they would be gone as long as 
four months at a time. By request of judges and lawyers he 
preached in the courthouses of three counties. He was a 
leader in his District, served as moderator frequently, and 
represented the District on Standing Committee at Confer- 



JACOB M. THOMAS ^37 

ence several times. He served on a number of important 
church committees. 

He was a good councillor, earnest and sincere in what he 
did. On his convictions he stood and would not be moved; 
yet his mind was ever alert to understand fully first before 
taking his stand. His simple, implicit faith was a fortress in 
his dark days; it also led him as he grew older to pursue 
nothing but the Master's work, leaving all else for this. Yet 
all was done without receiving any compensation from the 
church. He lived, too, to see his labors bear fruit in multi- 
plied congregations and many happy in Jesus. He was a 
great reader and well informed on a large range of subjects. 

About ten years before his death he was very sick. The 
attending physician told him one morning that his end was 
at hand, and left, telling the neighbors that Brother Thomas 
was dying. But not so. He called for the anointing, recov- 
ery speedily followed, and the doctor, who said he had felt a 
death pulse in him, was amazed. 

Having a strong body, closely built, his endurance was 
great. In response to a special request, though eighty-five 
years old. Brother Thomas preached the first sermon, the 
Saturday evening before dedication, in the large churchhouse 
built in the Markleysburg congregation. His voice was clear 
and strong; his delivery exceedingly earnest, even to the re- 
moval of his coat if he became too warm; his discourses 
were largely exegetical, strongly fortified by many proof 
texts; and the closing was warm and touching in admoni- 
tion. Both old and young revered him and for the most part 
delighted to heed his advice. 

With a clear mind and an abiding trust in his Lord unto 
the end he passed peacefully to rest, and his body was laid 
in the family cemetery on his own farm. 

Information for this sketch was supplied by Bishop Jere- 
miah Thomas, Bruce Mills, W. Va. 



38 SOME WHO LED 



PETER NEAD 

January 7, 1796— March 16, 1877. 

Born at Hagerstown, Md. The Nead family came from 
Germany before the Revolutionary War. Peter's father was 
a tanner by trade, prospered in business, owned slaves and 
reared his family of four sons in comparative ease. Though 
the religious influence of the home was Lutheran, but one 
son, Matthias, accepted the Lutheran faith. Daniel and John 
united with the Church of the Brethren, labored faithfully in 
the ministry and died in Tennessee. 

Peter was given a good education and responded well to 
his opportunities. He clerked in a store for a while, and 
after the family moved to Frederick County, Va., learned 
the tanning trade. He was quite successful and enlarged 
his field of usefulness by teaching school in the winter time. 

On December 20, 1825, he was united in marriage to Eliza- 
beth Yount, daughter of Brother Daniel Yount, of Rocking- 
ham County, Va. About 1840 they moved to Rockingham 
County and lived there two and one-half years; then to Bote- 
tourt County, until 1848. This time he started West and lo- 
cated his family on a farm nine miles northwest of Dayton, 
Ohio, where he lived till his death. He could have been 
very successful as a business man and a farmer, and did 
make a good living; but he was in business for his King 
and gave this his first attention. 

When a young man in his father's home his grandfather 
offered to bear his expenses if he would educate himself for 
the ministry in the Lutheran church. This he declined. 
Later he joined the Methodist church and was appointed 
class leader, with privilege of preaching when opportunity 
offered itself. He was active, made appointments and car- 
ried forward the work with vigor. One day a pamphlet 
written by Benjamin Bowman, of Virginia, attracted his at- 



PETER NEAD 39 

tention. He noted the doctrines o£ the New Testament for 
which the Brethren stood, and these found a hearty response 
in his own heart. Where were these people? He located 
them, attended a love feast, listened, beheld, and read the 
Word. After much inquiry and study at last he offered him- 
self for membership. The Brethren received him cordially 
and extended to him the privilege of filling all engagements 
he had made before being received into the church. It was 
but a short time until he was called to the ministry, which 
event occurred on the same day John Kline was elected 
deacon. In those days most of the preaching by the Breth- 
ren was in German; but the English-speaking people were 
on the increase and there was a strong demand for the 
Word in the English. Brother Nead so well filled that de- 
mand that he was known as "the English preacher." 

But the pulpit did not satisfy his persistent mind to do 
all the good he could. In 1833 he published his first book, 
" Primitive Christianity." It was made in Staunton, bound 
in leather, contained 138 pages, had a general circulation and 
did much good. In 1845 he published a pamphlet of 131 
pages discussing "baptism for the remission of sins, faith 
alone, prayerless doctrine, the present state of the world, 
corrupted Christendom, and the true Church of Christ." In 
1850 appeared " Nead's Theology," a volume of 472 pages, 
including the first two books and sixty-seven pages more. 
In 1866 he sent forth "Wisdom and Power of God, as Dis- 
played in Creation and Redemption," a book of 352 pages. 

He was endowed with an unusually strong body, clear, 
keen mind, and well-fixed habits of work. Thus it was that 
he could accomplish so much. It was his habit to arise at 
three in the morning, eat a morsel of dry bread, then write 
or study till six. He claimed that at this time his mind was 
fresh and clear, and he could accomplish more then than any 
other part of the day. His writings would indicate some 
such devotion. He was very punctual in his work, insisting 
at all times that his engagements must be met, whether that 
be a congregation to hear him preach, a friend who sought 
him for counsel, or a man on business. 

As a minister he was well endowed. His voice was clear 



40 SOME WHO LED 

and full, so that he could address large audiences without 
great effort. He had a ready command of a large portion 
of the Bible, and displayed unusual tact in driving his points 
with a fitting scriptural citation. He labored twenty-seven 
years in the Lower Stillwater congregation of southern Ohio, 
and many looked to him as a father in Israel, a man with 
strong convictions, good judgment, and a determination that 
his views should prevail. He was much sought after for coun- 
cil meetings, was a leader in District Meetings, and served 
twelve times on Standing Committee at Annual Meeting. 
His great concern was the purity of the church, and hence 
anything that had any tendency to depart from the ways of 
the fathers was not countenanced at all. From this angle 
he was looked upon as a pillar, and was largely instrumen- 
tal in starting the Vindicator, the monthly organ of the 
Old German Baptist Brethren church. 

He labored in the ministry to the end. At the close of his 
last sermon he sat down and soon arose and uttered these 
words: "It may be that this will be the last time you will 
hear my stammering voice in this church." And it was; for 
just three weeks after his body was laid to rest in the Happy 
Corner cemetery. 



"Therefore, let us be careful how we handle the Word of 
God! O what a pity, what a curse it is, that men will take 
the liberty, notwithstanding the above plain prohibition 
(Rev. 22: 18, 19), to add to, or diminish from the Gospel. 
Hear what the apostle saith concerning this matter: * . . . 
. . . let him be accursed.* Gal. 1: 8. But so it is. The 
children of men have ever been prone to revolt against the 
Word of God. How common it is for men to be unwilling 
to yield to the Gospel in every respect; they act as though 
they were wiser than the Savior — . . . The first 
churches were governed alone by the New Testament, and 
as long as the professors had no other rule among them, 
then, it was, that they worshiped God agreeably to his Word 
and will — and furthermore there was not so much conten- 
tion about the proper mode of worship: they could then all 
see alike." — Nead's Theological Works, pp. 37, 39. 



HENRY KURTZ 41 



HENRY KURTZ 

July 22, 1796— January 12, 1874. 

Born in Binnigheim, Germany. His father was an edu- 
cated man, engaged part of his time in teaching. Religious- 
ly he was a devout Lutheran; and with all the means at 
his command he sought to educate his son. Henry pressed 
so far along in school work as to gain a fair knowledge 
of some of the dead languages. He was reared in the 
Lutheran faith and looked forward to service in the minis- 
try for which during his youth he was preparing himself. 
When twenty-one he came to America and engaged in 
teaching. June 10, 1819, he was admitted to the Lutheran 
Synod, and the following August, the 8th, took his first charge 
in Northampton County, Pa. Four years later he moved 
to a charge in Pittsburgh. Here he remained till 1823, 
when through change of belief on matters of religion he 
moved to Columbia County, and a few months later to 
Starke County, Ohio. Three years later he located on a 
farm near Poland, Mahoning County, and there resided till 
his death. 

While engaged in his charge in Northampton County, 
Pa., he married Anna Catherine Loehr, in 1820. To them 
were born four sons, who grew to manhood. 

He inherited a deep religious nature and was sincere in 
his efforts to follow the Lord. While engaged in his Pitts- 
burgh pastorate he became dissatisfied on the subject of 
infant baptism. Investigation and observation convinced 
him that faith was an essential to proper baptism, and there- 
fore he could no longer baptize infants. It created quite a 
stir in the Synod. Some favored bearing with him, while 
others would excommunicate him. Finally the latter pre- 
vailed. This left him without means of support. Some time 
after he located in Ohio he heard of the Brethren, and 



42 SOME WHO LED 

after locating in Starke County, began attending their meet- 
ings. April 6, 1828, he was baptized; two years later he was 
placed in the ministry. With a conscience clear and a great 
field in which to work he took hold in great earnestness. 
In 1838 he visited his parents and sister in Germany, 
preached wherever he went, and had the joy of immersing 
some nine on that trip. His labors extended as far as into 
Switzerland. Nearly all these baptized ones came to Amer- 
ica. He returned after a year, and moved into the Mahon- 
ing congregation in 1842. Here in 1844 he was ordained 
and given the oversight of the congregation, which charge 
he held for over thirty years. 

In Starke County, near Poland, in the loft of the spring- 
house on his farm. Brother Kurtz began in 1851 to publish 
the Gospel Visitor. Few were the conveniences within his 
reach. He was editor, compositor, proofreader, pressman, 
mailman, clerk — every position in the shop. Brother Quin- 
ter was associated with him for a while and was a valuable 
assistant as editor, but no further. If the conveniences 
were small, the sympathy and support on the part of the 
Brotherhood were less. Amidst every kind of trial he pub- 
lished his monthly. Conference thought to stop its publi- 
cation, but at last concluded it was not in her province to 
meddle with the business affairs of the individual member. 
And between meeting the adverse feeling on the part of 
the Brotherhood and financing the project through such 
meager support, our brother was tried to the very limit. 
But it was worth while. The Gospel Visitor is the first 
product of the revival of periodical literature in recent times, 
and a splendid forerunner of what is now enjoyed by the 
Fraternity. 

Brother Kurtz was a leader in the Brotherhood and stood 
among the foremost in the conflict. For fifteen years he 
was Clerk of the Annual Meeting. He was a busy man, — 
overloaded with duties, one might say, yet happy in his 
work. Of a strong German type, he labored abundantly for 
uniformity in all matters religious and was a fearless ex- 
pounder of the truth as he believed it. 

His body lies in the cemetery near Poland, Ohio. 



HENRY KURTZ 43 

Extracts from volume 1, page 1, of the Monthly Visitor, 
April, 1851, the first periodical of modern times in the Church 
of the Brethren: 

"Peace be unto you! Luke 24: 36. Dearest Brothers 
and Sisters, Friends and Fellow Travelers to Eternity I 
Peace be unto you! Not the peace, which the world may 
give, but that peace, which cometh from on high. 

" With this salutation we send the Visitor in the midst of 
you. Will you bid him welcome? We trust, that you are 
* not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have 
entertained angels unawares.* Would you then send away 
a stranger, who comes to you in the name of Jesus, the Prince 
of Peace? ... A long time has elapsed, since we sent 
out the queries, proposed in July, 1849, to the printer, — and 
also his views on the subject of a publication of this kind. 
He wished to take advice of his brethren, and the result of 
the consultation was, that a majority of churches heard from 
was in favor of the measure, or at least a trial, that a re- 
spectable number of subscribers (more than three hundred) 
and even payment for more than fifty copies were sent in — 
Thus far we felt encouraged . . . We have prayerfully 
considered every objection; we have already felt the difficul- 
ties; we shrink from the responsibility. Yet there is one 
word of God staring us in the face, which will deprive us of 
our peace, unless we obey it. It is James 4: 17." 

Following this the objections are answered, the reasons for 
publication given, revealing a broad outlook for a man in 
the beginning of publication. 



44 SOME WHO LED 



JOHN KLINE 

June 17, 1797— June 15, 1864. 

Elder John Kline, farmer, author, traveler, physician, 
philanthropist and preacher of righteousness was born in 
Rockingham County, Va., at the close of the eighteenth cen- 
tury. He owned a good farm, which afforded him and his 
wife a competency. No children were born to them, and 
their simple life did not require an abundance of this world's 
goods. School advantages were meager in his day and he 
learned to read and write English and German, and with 
some knowledge of arithmetic his school days ended. He 
was a self-taught and self-made man. The achievements of 
his busy, useful life show what such men can do and have 
done for the world. 

As a physician he practiced the Thomsonian, or Botanic, 
system of medicine, believing with many others that it was 
a godsend to humanity. He had an extended practice, and 
more calls came to him than he could fill. He was firm in 
the conviction that the sick needed his medical skill as well 
as his counsel and advice in spiritual matters. The poor re- 
ceived his aid without charge and their calls were never un- 
heeded. 

He was called to the ministry in 1834 and his first sermon 
was preached Feb. 8, 1835. On that day he began a diary and 
gives a synopsis of the sermon with text used. During the 
remainder of his life he gave a careful recital of each day's 
doings. Many of the sermons he preached are set down at 
some length, the homes he visited are named, the sermons 
and funerals preached are noted (he preached as many as 
fifty funerals a year), the names of many he baptized are 
given, the number of miles traveled stated, and much other 
interesting information is written down. It is estimated from 
his diary that he must have traveled at least a hundred thou- 
sand miles in his preaching tours and visits to churches and 



JOHN KLINE 45 

families, and most of this was done on horseback. His fa- 
vorite riding mare, "Nell," carried him thirty thousand miles. 
Closing his diary for 1859 he says: "I traveled 3,929 miles, 
mostly on Nell's back; good, patient Nell." In 1854 he 
traveled 6,463 miles, "mostly on Nell's back.'* 

The following entry in his diary Jan. 1, 1838, gives a clear 
insight into his character: 

" I now resolve to do all the good I can this year. 

" To shun all evil thoughts, words and deeds as far as I 
can. 

" To make the best use I can of what I learn and know, to 
do all this with an eye single to the glory of God and the 
good of mankind." 

Another entry of the hundreds that might be quoted says: 
"An hour misspent or trifled away is just so much time given 
to Satan." With this standard of measure how many hours 
Satan gets of our precious time! 

Brother Daniel Hays writes of him as a minister in these 
words: "As a minister he was impressive. He possessed an 
orotund voice, a ready delivery, and commanding presence. 
I saw him in the summer of 1848. He was then in his prime. 
He had come to my father's house to preach my grand- 
father's funeral. On the morning of the funeral services he 
took a walk in the grove near by, and, as he returned, with 
thoughts aglow from communing with nature and nature's 
God, my youthful eye surveyed his person and his manner, 
and that impression still remains. The personal bearing of 
Benjamin Franklin before Parliament is not more worthy 
of a place in history than that of Elder John Kline before 
an audience. The lucid manner in which he unfolded his 
subject, his calm and collected demeanor, his immense store 
of scriptural knowledge, and his intimate acquaintance with 
human nature gave his gospel ministry an influence that was 
immediate and lasting. Well do I remember the climax of 
his sermon. It was a description of the judgment day. It 
was not imaginative; it was real. He gave the scriptural 
account itself, word for word. Never was I more impressed 
with the force of the Scripture narrative, and the ever-endur- 
ing nature of religious discourse." 



46 SOME WHO LED 

On one of his long preaching tours he was stricken down 
with typhoid fever. His wife heard of his serious illness and 
a rumor of his death also reached her ears. So great was 
the shock that her mind was unbalanced and she never fully 
recovered. When he returned to his home after his recovery 
she did not seem to realize his presence. He took every 
possible care of her and was never heard to murmur. 

Brother Kline was a constant attendant at our Annual 
Meetings in his time. He took an active and prominent part 
in its activities. He served as moderator four times, 1861- 
1864. It is said he made an excellent presiding officer. 

The last Conference he attended was at Hagerstown, Ind., 
in 1864. Opposed to human slavery and to the secession 
movement, the Confederates regarded him as an enemy to 
their cause. But such was his kindness and honesty that 
those in authority trusted him and he had the privilege ac- 
corded him of passing to the North to attend the Confer- 
ence. At one time he was arrested and thrown into the 
guardhouse, but was soon released. Fellows of the baser 
sort threatened the good man's life. He knew of this and 
said one time: "I am threatened; they can take my life; 
but I do not fear them; they can only kill my body." 

After his return from the Conference he pursued his regu- 
lar course of life. He looked after the sick, visited the mem- 
bers of the church and preached as usual. June 15 he left 
his home, taking his " good, patient Nell " to the blacksmith 
shop to have her shod. On his way home the assassins did 
their bloody work. His body was found on a timbered ridge 
by the wayside, pierced by several bullets. Death had no 
terrors for him, for when he was found a sweet smile was 
on his face. He was laid to rest in the Linville cemetery, 
amid the tears of a sorrowing multitude of brethren and 
friends. They realized they had lost a kind and loving broth- 
er and friend and a wise counsellor. 

When the Conference was held near the place, in 1878, his 
grave was visited by throngs of members and friends from 
all parts of the Brotherhood. A simple marble slab marks 
the last resting place of this martyr. 



JOHN KLINE 47 

He Died at His Post. 

(The following is said to have been composed by Brother 
Kline on the death of Joseph Miller, who died while on a 
visit to Ohio:) 

Away from his home and the friends of his youth 
He hasted, the herald of mercy and truth, 
For the love of his Lord and to seek for the lost- 
Soon, alas! was his fall, but he died at his post. 

The stranger's eye wept that in life's brightest bloom 
One gifted so highly should sink to the tomb; 
For in order he led in the van of his host, 
And he fell like a soldier, he died at his post. 

He wept not for himself that his warfare was done, 
The battle was fought and the victory won, 
But he whispered of those whom his heart clung to most, 
"Tell my brethren for me that I died at my post." 

He asked not a stone to be sculptured with verse; 
He asked not that fame should his merits rehearse; 
But he asked as a boon when he gave up the ghost, 
That his brethren might know that he died at his post. 

Victorious his fall, for he rose as he fell. 

With Jesus his Master in glory to dwell. 

He passed o'er the stream and has reached the bright 

court. 
For he fell like a marytr; he died at his post. 

And can we the words of his exit forget? 

O, no, they are fresh in our memory yet. 

An example so brilliant shall not be lost; 

We will fall in the work, we will die at our post. 



48 SOME WHO LED 



CHRISTIAN BOMBERGER 

October 3, 1801— May 21, 1880. 

Born in Penn Township, Lancaster County, Pa. Little is 
known of his parents, save that his mother was a daughter of 
Christian Graybill, a fine old pioneer minister of the Breth- 
ren church. Their family were of German descent, and liv- 
ing on the farm, developed rugged children. Christian had 
the blessing of a fairly good education and when he reached 
his maturity selected the profession of medicine. It is 
thought he did not attend any medical institution, but 
through reading and practice attained the success he had. 

Christian was united in marriage to a Miss Fahnestock. 
This union proved very helpful to him because many of her 
family were physicians, some of them with large practice. 
To them were born two sons and four daughters. 

After their marriage and he was ready to practice medicine 
Ihey moved upon a farm near Lititz, and there he carried on 
his profession and conducted his farm till his sons were mar- 
ried. They took charge of the farm, and Christian and his 
wife moved to Rothville, and he confined himself to the 
splendid practice he had built up. It is said that in his med- 
ical work "he used to some extent magnetism and faith 
cure, and sometimes obtained results that were positively 
unexplainable by the ordinary laws of materia medica. He 
never undertook important surgical cases but recommended 
them to skillful physicians in Lancaster." 

In 1828 Brother Bomberg and his wife united with the 
Church of the Brethren. Three years later he was called 
to the ministry. He had made a success of medicine, but 
had no confidence in his ability to preach. So often did he 
complain to his wife that she grew tired and one day gave 
him an answer that showed his spirit in its true light and 
gave him courage to make a proper effort. From this time 



CHRISTIAN BOMBERGER 49 

his influence grew rapidly. His ability, kind-heartedness 
and humility altogether made him much loved everywhere. 
He not only enjoyed the practice of medicine in healing the 
body, but he delighted more in the law of the Lord and for 
the opportunity to speak words of healing to the soul. His 
success was so marked that in 1862 he was ordained to the 
bishopric and given the oversight of the Conestoga congre- 
gation. His was a fatherly service and the children of the 
kingdom gathered about him in increasing numbers. In time 
it became necessary to divide the large congregation into 
what is now the Conestoga, West Conestoga and Ephrata 
congregations; but this division was effected only on the 
express agreement that Brother Bomberger would preside 
over all three as long as his health and strength would per- 
mit. He was one of the best counsellors in the District and 
was therefore called from home to adjust church difficulties 
in many parts of the District. He was one of a sexette in 
eastern Pennsylvania who were leaders in the District, the 
other five being Samuel Harley, Sr., John H. Unistad, Jacob 
Hollinger, John Zug, and David Gerlach. Some of these 
were called to represent at Conference and serve a larger 
field, but Christian was often called to assist in church work 
in different parts of his own District. His body is at rest 
in the cemetery in the West Conestoga congregation (Middle 
Creek cemetery), and his labors for righteousness and peace 
are still felt among the churches where he labored. 

Quotation in and information for this sketch supplied by 
Bishop S. R. Zug, of Elizabethtown, Pa. 



50 



SOME WHO LED 




JOHN H. UMSTAD 

January 1, 1802— April 27, 1873. 

For thirty years Elder John H. Umstad was among the 
strong leaders of the Church of the Brethren. His field of 
labor was in the Eastern States, for in his earlier years the 
" Far Western Brethren " had not found the garden land of 
the Mississippi Valley. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa. In 
his ninth year the family moved to the Umstad farm, Mont- 
gomery County, same State. His parents were not church 
members and he did not enjoy an early religious training. 
Naturally he was of a religious turn of mind. He was of 
lively disposition, a fine conversationalist, companionable, 
and his company was always much appreciated by his asso- 
ciates. 

He was united in marriage with Ann Brower in 1829. Four 
children came to bless their home. They lived together hap- 
pily forty-two years, when Sister Umstad was called to her 
home above. 

In 1831 a revival took place in the community in which 



JOHN H. UMSTAD 51 

Brother Umstad lived. There were but few members of the 
church living there. The nearest organized church was at 
Coventry, in Chester County. Sister Isabella Fitzwater, 
Brother Umstad's sister, was among the few members in the 
community. Brother Quinter said of her: "She was a de- 
voted, exemplary Christian, and carried out the principles of 
plainness and modest attire, though there were but few to 
sympathize with her in her self-denial and rich Christian ex- 
perience. We regard her as an important link in the chain of 
events which brought about a glorious revival of primitive 
Christianity in her neighborhood." 

It was at the meeting referred to in last paragraph that 
Brethren Fitzwater, Umstad, Isaac Price and others were 
brought under deep conviction and were soon after received 
into church fellowship by baptism. The trio became noted 
in the church for their earnestness and zeal in the Master's 
cause. They were prominent in the community in which 
they lived, active in business, in politics, and in the general 
affairs of the world. They now turned their attention to the 
salvation of souls and a great revival of religion followed. 

Brother Umstad, soon after his conversion, began bearing 
witness for Christ and labored faithfully and earnestly to 
bring souls to him. In 1834 the Greentree church was or- 
ganized, and Brethren Umstad and Isaac Price were called 
to the ministry. Brother Umstad had more than a common- 
school education, was a man of considerable means, and was 
possessed of the earnestness and zeal of a Paul. He also en- 
joyed the help and encouragement of such men as Peter Key- 
ser, John Price, father of Isaac, William Price, of Indian 
Creek, and others who were helpful to him in the ministry 
of the Word. 

" He was also blessed with a most excellent wife, who was 
an effectual helper to him in all the departments of his min- 
isterial labor. Their Christian home will be remembered by 
many of the brethren and sisters as a spiritual oasis in this 
desert world, where their spirits were often refreshed in 
the holy fellowship of the faithful, and in the enjoyment of 
the unction from the Holy One. The anniversary of his 
birth occurring on New Year's day, it was his custom to ob- 



52 SOME WHO LED 

serve it in a devotional manner; and for many years after his 
conversion he had a prayer-meeting in his house on the first 
night of the new year. We presume he kept this custom up 
to the last years of his life."^ 

Brother Umstad loved the ministry and he traveled much 
among the churches, devoting most of his time for many 
years to his high calling in Christ. He was a most success- 
ful soul-winner and many were led through his preaching of 
the Word to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. He was 
very fond of children and young people. He always had a 
kind, encouraging word for them. Upon meeting with the 
young his usual question was, after greeting them, " Well, do 
you love Jesus?" He was a great lover of music and song. 
Sister D. L. Miller recalls how, when she was a girl of four- 
teen, she used to meet him at the home of Brother and Sister 
Geiger, and how he always insisted that Ella, Sister Geiger's 
daughter, should play and sing for him. 

While Brother Umstad was a fisher of men he also loved 
to take fish from the water. The following incident was told 
the writer by Brother J. T. Myers: On one occasion he was 
to fill an appointment at the Greentree church on a week 
day. Very early in the morning he went to the river to fish 
and took no note of passing time. Then remembering the 
appointment he hurried to the place of meeting, to find serv- 
ices had been opened and the congregation waiting for the 
coming of the preacher. He went at once into the stand, 
and without a moment's hesitation announced his text, " I go 
a fishing," and preached one of his most powerful sermons. 

Brother Umstad died in Baltimore, at the home of his 
daughter, where he had gone on a visit, in his seventy-second 
year, after serving nearly forty years in the ministry. His 
body was taken to his home and interred in the cemetery at 
the Greentree church, where he had labored so long and so 
acceptably for the salvation of souls. 

"May the mantle of our departed brother's zeal, humility, 
and faithfulness, fall upon his brethren in the ministry that 
survive him; and may his godly example and admonitions be 



iMemoir, of John Umstad by James Quinter, Brethren Alma- 
nac, 1875. 



JOHN H. UMSTAD S3 

heeded by the many among whom he traveled, and for whose 
salvation he labored." 



Fresh Supplies of Power, 

Dr. S. D. Gordon closes his chapter on this subject in his 
book on "Quiet Talks on Power" with the following inci- 
dent: 

" There is a simple story told of an old German friend 
of God which illustrates all of this with charming pictur- 
esqueness. Professor Johan Albrecht Bengal was a teacher in 
the seminary in Denkendorf, Germany, in the eighteenth cen- 
tury. * He united profound reverence for the Bible with an 
acuteness which let nothing escape him.' The seminary 
students used to wonder at the great intellectuality, and 
great humility and Christliness which blended their beauty 
in him. One night, one of them, eager to learn the secret 
of his holy life, slipped up .into his apartments while the 
professor was out lecturing in the city, and hid himself be- 
hind the heavy curtains in the deep recesses of the old- 
fashioned window. Quite a while he waited until he grew 
weary and thought how weary his teacher must be with his 
long day's work in the class room and the city. At length 
he heard the steps in the hall, and waij;ed breathlessly to 
learn the coveted secret. The man came in, changed his 
shoes for his slippers, and sitting down at the study table, 
opened the old well-thumbed German Bible and began read- 
ing leisurely page by page. A half hour he read, three quar- 
ters of an hour, an hour, and more yet. Then leaning his 
head down on his hands a few minutes in silence he said in 
the simplest, most familiar way, *Well, Lord Jesus, we're on 
the same old terms. Good-night.' " 



54 



SOME WHO LED 




JOHN P. EBERSOLE 

November 22, 1805— August 3, 1890. 

Born in Franklin County, Pa. Third child in a family of 
five sons and three daughters of Peter and Rachel Peters 
Ebersole. The parents came from that substantial German 
stock that was able both to endure hardship, and to im- 
part vigorous life and hardy ideals. They were members of 
the Church of the Brethren. When John was ten the family 
moved to Carroll County, Ohio. Here he received a meager 
common school education, and grew up under the healthful 
rural surroundings that developed sterling character. He 
learned the carpentering trade and was diligent in business, 
economical in expenditures and prospered financially. 



JOHN P. EBERSOLE 55 

On October 12, 1827, he married Susan Green, and to them 
were born four sons and three daughters. These grew to 
maturity; the death angel crossed not the threshold of this 
family circle until after Brother John was fifty years old. 

In 1835 the family moved to Hancock County, Ohio, and 
settled on a farm near Fostoria. Here Brother Ebersole 
resided for fifty years. His high sense of honor and Chris- 
tian life made him a large circle of friends who loved him 
dearly. He was successful at farming and accumulated suffi- 
cient so that he could retire and live at ease. 

In the moral uplift of the community Brother Ebersole 
was especially a leader. From his mother he inherited a 
deep and earnest devotion to his Lord, a keen sense of right 
in all things, whether they pertained to matters of business 
or of the church, and a great and tender concern for the 
weak and erring. In 1844 he united with the Church of the 
Brethren and at once took hold of church work in such a 
manner that in a year he was called to the deacon's office. 
As a man full of faith, a good man, he magnified the office in 
such a manner that within another year he was called to the 
ministry. He accepted the call humbly, but saw in it the 
welcome opening to let his voice in a very spiritual and 
forceful way be heard in behalf of the faith he so earnestly 
contended for. He was concerned for the souls in the king- 
dom, but his greater concern was for the unsaved, and no 
message of his closed without a pathetic appeal to them. 
As a result, wherever he preached there were ingatherings. 
His church membership was always in the Rome congrega- 
tion. When he accepted the ministry this was small. But 
it was not long until there was a large and influential mem- 
bership. So successful was he in church work that in 1852 
he was ordained to the bishopric. Brethren George Hoke and 
Joseph Showalter laying on hands. 

Brother Ebersole magnified his office. He was given over- 
sight of his home congregation and was a gentle shepherd, 
indeed. No lamb, no matter how erring, was dealt harshly 
with. His ideal was not so much " to conserve the purity 
of the church," as to save souls for the kingdom. While he 
deplored any irregularities that might arise in the member- 



56 SOME WHO LED 

ship, he sought to save these souls rather than destroy them. 
And his whole-souled manner of doing his work won for him 
the admiration even of those who did not always agree with 
him. In council his judgment seldom erred; in admonition he 
was pointed, but tender; in earnestness none exceeded him. 
He was a man of few words, but they were as " apples of 
gold " in a silver setting. No wonder then that at one time he 
had the oversight of six congregations. His shepherd's care 
was wanted and his heart was large enough to hold them all 
as the " apple of his eye." The young sought him to unite them 
in marriage; the bereaved turned to him to speak for them 
words of comfort and healing; the troubled came to have 
all removed; the erring fled not when he pointed out their 
wrongs. 

Brother Ebersole's chief delight was to be in touch with 
the interests of the young people. He saw, long before the 
church granted them, the high value of the Sunday-schools. 
He was an enthusiastic advocate of it, whether at home or 
away from home. When at home he was found in his place 
as a scholar all his days. One time at Conference among 
other good things he said, were these words: "I am now 
past eighty years old but I am still a Sunday-school scholar." 

He was also very strong on the temperance question. His 
voice was ever ready to point out the evils and direct to a 
better way. He wanted the church to take no compromise 
stand on either liquor or tobacco, and regretted that his 
brethren could not see the great need of doing this. At the 
North Manchester (Ind.) Conference he was heard to say, 
"Brethren, you can not make your decision against whiskey 
and tobacco too strong.*' 

Late in July, 1890, he suddenly sickened while sitting in 
his chair talking with his wife. He recovered sufficiently to 
speak, but after ten days he passed away and his body was 
laid to rest in the Sheller cemetery, to await the resurrec- 
tion of the just. 

Information for this sketch supplied by Bishop L. H. 
Dickey, Fostoria, Ohio. 



ISAAC PRICE 



57 




ISAAC PRICE 

September 24, 1802— October 19, 1884. 

The ancestor of the Price family in America, Elder Jacob 
Price, was a noted minister in the Church of the Brethren 
in Germany. To enjoy a larger liberty of conscience he left 
the fatherland and emigrated to America in 1719. He locat- 
ed first at Germantown, Pa., where he purchased property, 
but later bought two hundred acres of land from William 
Penn, on Indian Creek, in Montgomery County, same State, 
and here he made his home. In the stone house he built nine 
or ten generations of the Price family have been born. 

Jacob Price had but one son, John, who was not strong 



58 SOME WHO LED 

physically. In the neighborhood of the Price farm lived a 
white man who had taken an Indian as his wife. To them 
was born a daughter, a beautiful, well-developed, healthy 
maiden. Jacob was very anxious that the Price name might 
not cease from the earth, and he selected the strong, vigor- 
ous half-Indian girl as a wife for his son. Two sons were 
born to this union, John and Daniel. The father died before 
the second son was born, and the boys were cared for and 
brought up by their mother and grandfather, who was to 
have his wish gratified, for his descendants, it is estimated, 
now number not far from six thousand souls. The writer 
is indebted to Brother Abram Cassel for the incident here 
given. It is to be noted that some of our greatest statesmen 
boasted of having pure, aboriginal blood in their veins. 

Upon the death of the grandfather the two sons divided 
the estate. Daniel kept the farm at Indian Creek, paying 
John five hundred pounds for his interest, and the latter 
moved to Franklin County, Pa., where he purchased a large 
tract of land near Waynesboro. Here a church was or- 
ganized and Price's meetinghouse was known far and wide 
in the earlier days. 

From among the descendants of the great ancestor, Elder 
Jacob Price, between thirty and forty ministers have done 
efficient and faithful work in the Church of the Brethren. 
Among these was Elder Isaac Price, born in Coventry town- 
ship, Chester County, Pa. His father, John Price, was one 
among the ablest ministers in the church of his time. His 
grand uncle, William W. Price, known as " THE PREACH- 
ER," was the hymn writer of his day and easily the leading 
minister of the church during the years of his activity. 

Isaac Price taught school in early life and was at one time 
one of the editors and proprietors of the Lafayette Aurora, 
a newspaper published at Pottstown, Pa., nearly ninety years 
ago. Later he located in Schuylkill, Montgomery County, 
where he was engaged in merchandising during the greater 
part of his remaining life. He was an active and successful 
business man, careful and honest in his dealings, and stood 
high in the estimation of the community. He was appointed 
postmaster at his place by President Andrew Johnson, and 



ISAAC PRICE 59 

held the office until within two years of his death, when he 
resigned. He was for years, in time of service, the oldest 
postmaster in the United States. 

Bishop Price was called to the ministry in early life and 
served the church faithfully in that capacity for nearly fifty 
years. He was possessed of marked ability as a pulpit ora- 
tor, an earnest, efficient preacher of the Word, and a very 
successful evangelist. Like John, the beloved apostle, he 
had a heart full of love. In a marked degree this was char- 
acteristic of the man. This was especially shown toward 
children, and among these, as well as all others, he had many 
warm-hearted friends wherever he went. This gave him a 
strong hold on the young people where he was known. His 
earnest and active opposition to human slavery won him the 
name of abolitionist. He spoke against this great wrong to 
the negro in public and private whenever opportunity of- 
fered, and if none offered he made the opportunity. None 
rejoiced more than Brother Price when the shackles of the 
bondmen were broken and the captives set free. He was 
equally strong in his advocacy of temperance, and had there 
been a Temperance Committee in the church in his day he 
would have been at the head of it. He raised his voice time 
and again, at Annual Conference, against the use of alco- 
holic wine in the communion service, advocating, with all his 
power, the use of the pure, unfermented fruit of the vine, 
and his views finally prevailed. He was wont to designate 
alcoholic drink as the cup of devils. 

Brother Price married Sister Hannah Umstad, sister of 
Elder John H. Umstad, and to them three children were 
born. He died at his home at the advanced age of 82 years 
and 25 days. It has been well said of him that he was a 
leader among men and he led and called others to follow. 
He often carried his warfare, against the evils of church and 
state, far beyond where the less brave and talented halted 
and lagged behind, thus hindering him in his good work. 
When he died it could be well said of him, " Lo, a great man 
has fallen in Israel." 



60 



SOME WHO LED 







A^-yyty^ -^:^<^^i--<^ -^ ^^--^^-^-^t-^^^y ^^r^C^'^^ 





Reduced facsimile of certificate in possession of Bishop D. B. 

Gibson. 

ISHAM GIBSON 

June 15, 1803 — December 6, 1875. 

Born in camp in Wilson County, Tenn., three weeks after 
James Gibson and his wife, Rebecca, arrived from East Ten- 
nessee. Isham was the third child of three sons and three 
daughters. His father was a successful farmer. Both par- 
ents were members of the Primitive Baptist church and im- 
pressed upon their children, especially Isham, that sincere 
intent and high ideal which did much to prepare him for the 



ISHAM GIBSON 61 

frontier life he led. Isham took advantage of the educa- 
tional facilities afforded by frontier life, and prepared him- 
self so that in the forties and early fifties he engaged in 
teaching school. In 1829 he visited Illinois, making the 
journey on horseback. This led him to locate with his fa- 
ther and James and Martin Reed, the latter a brother-in-law, 
in Morgan County, 111., on April 6, 1830. Here Isham en- 
gaged in farming and was successful, for he acquired suffi- 
cient resources to purchase 320 acres of fine land in Macou- 
pin County, 111., some years later in life. He was a leader in 
the development of the community. In 1873 he moved to 
Bates County, Mo., and rather retired for the remainder of 
life. 

On March 20, 1830, he married Elizabeth Gates, and to 
them were born seven sons and five daughters. Three of 
the sons were ordained bishops and were active all through 
life in the Church of the Brethren. 

When eighteen years old, and still living in Tennessee, 
Isham went with his father and a Mr. Morgan, both Primi- 
tive Baptists, to hear a minister from North Carolina on his 
way to Kentucky preach in the neighborhood. This new 
minister, Joseph Roland, was a stranger to all of them. The 
meeting was in a private home. It opened by singing, "How 
firm a foundation"; text, John 19: 23. Main points devel- 
oped. Unity of the Godhead; the General Atonement, or 
Christ Died for All; a Whole Gospel; the New Covenant, 
or Salvation for All Men. The father said to Mr. Morgan, 
" My son is lost to us this day." They had hoped to make 
him a minister in the Baptist church. But some months aft- 
erwards Isham rode forty miles to be received into the 
Church of the Brethren by baptism at the hands of Brother 
Roland. This Brother Roland, who baptized him, 
received his office as bishop from Casper Roland, he 
in turn from David Martin in 1775, he from David Leather- 
man, who was presiding over the churches of Maryland 
and Pennsylvania under a commission from Alexander 
Mack.i 



1 See old copy of declaration in hands of Bishop D. B. Gib- 
son, Girard, 111. 



62 SOME WHO LED 

Five years later, May 26, 1826, though yet unmarried, Is- 
ham was ordained bishop by laying on of hands of the Pres- 
bytery, as fac simile at the beginning shows. Through the 
preaching tour in 1829 he was led to move to Illinois, and 
the summer following he assisted in organizing the first 
congregation of the Brethren in central Illinois, — namely, 
the Sugar Creek congregation, on June 20, 1830. This con- 
gregation at that time included Morgan and Sangamon 
Counties. Over this congregation he presided for thirty- 
eight years. As shepherd he fed the flock, as pastor he tend- 
ed them well, as a preacher he declared the Word with pow- 
er, and the congregation grew. It was finally divided into 
Pleasant Hill, West Otter, Macoupin Creek and Sugar 
Creek congregations as they now are. He assisted in or- 
ganizing the Hurricane Creek congregation in 1843; the 
Cass County congregation in 1862; and labored in closest 
association with Brother George Wolfe in western Illinois 
until after the latter's death. 

He also engaged in a number of debates. The Hostetler- 
Gibson debate in 1833 was held in the old two-story log 
court house in Decatur, 111. At the close eight were baptized 
and within a year some of them moved to Iowa and became 
the nucleus of the first Church of the Brethren in that State. 
Gibson-Morgan debate in Morgan County in 1840. Mr. 
Morgan was an infidel, and the resvlt was he became a Chris- 
tian. The Foster Gibson-debate in 1858. 

Brother Gibson was blessed with a splendid physique. He 
was five feet eleven inches tall, erect, broad-shouldered, and 
rather deliberate in his movements; hazel-grey eyes, promi- 
nent cheek bones, high forehead, straight black hair; muscu- 
lar, though not heavy. His voice was clear, he spoke very 
loud, his messages were pathetic and tender, and many were 
the hearts that melted under the sound of his voice and gave 
themselves to the Lord. 

His body is at rest in Rogers cemetery, Bates County, 
Mo., eight miles southeast of Butler, Mo. 

Information for this sketch supplied by Bishop D. B. 
Gibson, of Girard, 111. 



SAMUEL MURRAY 



63 




SAMUEL MURRAY 

April 1, 1806— March 31, 1906. 

Born in a log cabin in Huntingdon County, Pa. Son of 
John Murray and wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth 
Wellbaum. In his childhood the wolf, panther and bear 
menaced the family more or less. When six, the family 
traveling by wagon to Pittsburgh, and then down the Ohio 
in boat, made its way to a settlement about nine miles west 
of Dayton. Here forty acres of timber land were bought 
for $60, a log cabin erected, and the father went out to work 
at day's labor to make a living. When Samuel was twelve 
the father died, leaving in great poverty the widowed moth- 



64 SOME WHO LED 

er with a large family of children. The older son leaving 
home to do for himself, the responsibility of helping mother 
care for the little ones fell upon Samuel. He remained 
faithful to his charge until twenty-one, when he started out 
for himself also. Taking up the trade of carpentry and mill- 
wright he hired the first year at $5 per month, the second at 
$10 and the third at $15, with the privilege of going to school 
three months of each year. Thus in six years he enjoyed 
eighteen months* schooling. 

On April 28, 1833, he married Phoebe Hart. In 1835 his 
wife died, leaving him with two little sons. In 1837 he mar- 
ried a Widow Myers, and by this union thirteen children 
were born. June 8, 1863, she passed away. In 1864 he mar- 
ried Catherin Studebaker, and a few years later, while Broth- 
er Murray was on a preaching tour in Minnesota, his wife 
died and he hastened home to her funeral. Later, he mar- 
ried Anna Heiny, and in five years she passed away. In 
1881 he married Leah Eshelman, and she survived him about 
a year. He knew sorrows and losses as few are called upon 
to bear. 

In 1833, soon after his first marriage, he and his wife unit- 
ed with the Brethren church. When 34 years old he was 
elected deacon; three years later minister, and in 1857 he 
was ordained elder. In 1851 he moved to Miami County, 
Ind., where he found some twenty members scattered and 
no organization. Pipe Creek congregation was soon or- 
ganized and his labors were blessed until the membership 
reached 300. In 1871, having assumed the oversight of the 
Salamonie congre;gation of Indiana a few years before, he 
moved within its bounds and remained there until 1889. 
This congregation also prospered under his supervision, for 
during this time it increased from a membership of 80 to 
300, and a second meetinghouse was built. After this he 
did not assume the care of any congregation, but lived for 
a period at Mt. Morris, 111., Mexico, Ind., Elgin, 111., and a 
few years before his death went to live with his son in In- 
dianapolis, Ind. 

He had strong physical powers, great endurance and did 
not spare himself for the sake of his Master. His labors 



SAMUEL MURRAY 65 

were during pioneer times, when comforts were fev/, travel 
wearisome and dangerous, and exposure intense. Yet he al- 
ways responded to the calls for the Word. His preaching 
was not learned, yet truth was presented with force and 
strong emotional effect. The second day service of a com- 
munion season Brother Murray, if present, would give the 
closing address and as he drew near the close he would move 
down the aisle towards the unconverted to make his earnest 
plea and the usual result was a number confessing Christ and 
being baptized that afternoon as a closing scene of the 
meeting. Perhaps no minister did more laying the founda- 
tion of the churches in middle Indiana than Brother Murray. 
He had a strong desire to live to be one hundred years 
old and preach on that day; but his hearing failed him, his 
strong frame grew weak, and a few months before he passed 
away he was not able to appreciate the touching letters that 
had arrived and were to be read to him on his birthday. The 
Lord saw fit to call him to his long-looked for reward just 
the day before he was one hundred years old. At the age of 
96 he wrote, " For sixty-three years I have known Christ 
and lived in his service and have never yet tired or faltered. 
My faith grows brighter as I near the Eternal City." 

Extract from Brother Murray's Autobiography. 

" Long before I belonged to church I was a firm believer 
in family worship and as a carpenter and millwright I was 
thrown among all classes of people. I only worked for one 
brother who had family worship, — that was Samuel Mohler, 
who died a few years ago near Covington, Ohio. I worked 
for one Presbyterian that had worship. Oh, how cold, how 
careless some churchmembers, and even preachers and elders 
do live, and yet they all hope to go to heaven. O Lord, 
bring us up to duty. Evening and morning let all the family, 
and others that may be with it, gather in one room and wor- 
ship with Scripture reading, song and prayer. I commenced 
my family worship soon after I was married the first time, 
before I belonged to church. And through the help of the 
Lord I have kept it up all these years." 



66 SOME WHO LED 



JOHN METZGER 

December 20, 1807— May 15, 1896. 

Elder John Metzger, " Uncle John " as all who knew him 
best and loved him most delighted to call him, was born in 
Blair County, Pa. In his eighth year the father with his 
family moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, and settled 
near the city of Dayton. Here the boy John spent the days 
of his youth and received the elements of an education such 
as the common schools of the time afforded. He made the 
best possible use of his opportunities and in this way fitted 
himself for the important work that was to come to him 
in life. 

In 1828 he was married to Sister Hannah UUery, and six 
years later he moved to Indiana, where he lived until he 
moved to Illinois, in 1864, and settled at Cerro Gordo, that 
State, in 1881. In 1890 he visited California and built him- 
self a home at Lordsburg, where he spent the winters, re- 
turning each spring to his home at Cerro Gordo. He made 
the trip across the country fourteen times. 

Uncle John was of a religious turn of mind and very early 
in life was converted and united with the Church of the 
Brethren. At the age of twenty-eight he was called to the 
ministry and a few years later was ordained to the bishopric. 

He was a man after the type of the beloved disciple whose 
name he bore; a man with a heart filled to overflowing with 
love. He won his way to the hearts of all with whom he 
came in contact by his kindness, courtesy, and his love, 
which was by far his strongest characteristic. He lived the 
simple life in all things and was one of the strongest expo- 
nents of high spiritual life, coupled with plain dressing and 
plain living. He believed in the New Testament teaching 
on this question and taught and lived what he believed. 



JOHN METZGER (i1 

Some years ago Uncle John came to Mount Morris to hold 
meetings in the college chapel. He was not an orator, or a 
man of eloquence, as the world counts oratory and elo- 
quence, but if reaching the hearts of his hearers and moving 
them to action is the result of eloquence and oratory, then 
Brother Metzger possessed these qualities to the highest 
possible degree. At the close of the meetings the students 
in a body went with Uncle John to the railway station, where 
they bade him an affectionate farewell. A few weeks later 
he went to the postoffice at Cerro Gordo for his mail, and 
judge of his surprise when he received more than a hundred 
letters addressed to him by the students of the college. He 
had won their hearts by his simple speech and overflowing 
heart of love. Elder H. R. Holsinger, in his " History of the 
Church," refers to Brother Metzger in these words: "Elder 
Metzger was a very kind-hearted man, and I learned to love 
him after becoming personally acquainted with him. In the 
summer of 1894 he paid us a visit at Rosena, Cal., where we 
enjoyed a very pleasant interview, recounting our experi- 
ences and associations. He took special interest in refer- 
ring to our own work at the Ashland Annual Meeting of 
1881, when we stood side by side conducting the collection 
for the Danish Mission. If all the elderly Tunker preachers 
had been of the same spirit and disposition as Elder John 
Metzger, there would now be no schism in the Fraternity." 

Without doubt this statement is true, especially if the 
loving spirit of our dear aged brother had been manifest on 
both sides of the controversy. 

The following incident in his life shows how willingly he 
submitted to the majority: In 1873 Brethren Metzger, Dan- 
iel and George Vaniman, and two other brethren were ap- 
pointed by the Southern District of Illinois to select a place 
for the Annual Conference of 1874. Two places were named 
and each put forth the strongest possible plea for the meet- 
ing. The committee was not unanimous in its choice. It 
met and visited both places, coming to the Filmore farm 
last. The brethren stood in the road passing by the place 
for some time, discussing the claims of the two places. Fin- 
ally the time for decision came. Uncle John said : " Those 



68 SOME WHO LED 

who favor this place go on that side of the road and those 
who favor this come with me to this side." After dividing, 
Uncle John found one brother standing with him, while 
three were on the other side of the road. Turning to the 
brother at his side he said: "Come, brother, let us go to 
the other side of the road and then we shall all be together." 
Surely with such a spirit of submission to the majority 
there would be no chance for a schism or a division in the 
church. 

His first wife died May 31, 1887, the opening day of the 
Annual Conference at Ottawa, Kans., and it was rather a re- 
markable coincidence that nine years later, while the Con- 
ference was being held the second time at the same place. 
Uncle John was called by the Lord to the " Silent Land." 
We had all hoped and longed to meet and greet him at 
Conference once more. That meeting is only deferred and 
we shall meet him on the other shore. 

On the 26th of February he married his second wife, Sister 
Permelia A. Wolfe. She was a great comfort and help to 
him in his old age, and survived him. 

Brother Metzger was blessed with a moderate share of this 
world's goods, and he was very liberal with what the Lord 
had intrusted to his care as a steward. He built a church 
at Cerro Gordo, 111., at his own expense and furnished the 
means and gave his time to establish a mission in the city 
of St. Louis. He also assisted in building up Lordsburg 
College. ' 

With a number of our leaders years ago he was opposed 
to Sunday-schools in the church and in deeding the church 
at Cerro Gordo to the trustees he stipulated in the deed that 
Sunday-schools should not be held in the building. Later, 
when the church decided in favor of Sunday-schools, he 
changed the deed, showing that he was always ready and 
willing to submit to the majority of his brethren. 

The Gospel Messenger in its obituary notice of 
Brother Metzger has the following to say of him: ** He was 
one of the most widely known preachers in the Brotherhood, 
and in his day did as much preaching as any minister among 
us. He was not noted for either learning or eloquence, but 



JOHN METZGER 69 

as a pure, earnest Christian preacher he had few equals. He 
was loved and respected wherever he was known. He was 
the means of leading thousands of sinners from the error of 
their way. Few men among us have done more baptizing, 
and solemnized more marriages, and preached more funerals. 
He was among the most active pioneer preachers of the 
West, and generations to come will tell of the good he has 
done as a minister of the Gospel. . . . He was on intimate 
terms with most if not all the pioneer preachers of the 
Brotherhood in the West for nearly two generations. He 
was an honor to our people and goes to his grave mourned 
by thousands from the Atlantic to the Pacific." 

The lives of such men as Uncle John Metzger should en- 
courage us to greater effort in the service of God and in 
the building up of Zion. His genuine love, his zeal and ear- 
nestness in preaching the Word, his liberality to the church 
and to the poor, his kindly spirit, his willingness to give and 
take counsel and his submission to the majority in all mat- 
ters pertaining to methods are worthy of all imitation. 

Brother Metzger wrote very little for the press and then 
only accounts of his trips. He made many journeys, 
preached much and baptized many, but his accounts are very 
brief. In 1889 he made a trip to the Panhandle of Texas 
and the following is extracted from his report: 

"We left Cerro Gordo, 111., Nov. 6, 1888, and reached Mc- 
Pherson, Kans., next morning. Here we remained four days, 
and, among other places of interest we visited none that gave 
us greater pleasure than the Brethren's college. We predict 
for the institution a brilliant future, as, from observation and 
representations made, it appears to be placed on a firm found- 
ation. Oh, what a grand sight to look upon! It did my heart 
good to see so many of our young brethren and sisters, and 
members* children, availing themselves of the opportunity 
there afforded for mental and spiritual culture. We left 
McPherson quite reluctantly." Near the close of the report 
he makes this observation: "We wish yet to say, in all the 
churches visited prosperous Sunday-schools are maintained, 
which we have come to recognize as the nursery of the 
church." 



70 



SOME WHO LED 




SARAH RIGHTER MAJOR 

August 29, ISOS—September 18, 1884. 

Born near Philadelphia, Pa. Daughter of John Righter, 
a minister of the Church of the Brethren. She had one sis- 
ter. Sarah received a fair common school education. 

When eighteen she was permitted to hear Harriet Liver- 
more, a lady whose ministry attracted considerable attention 
and who was permitted to preach in some of the Brethren's 
houses in eastern Pennsylvania. Conviction entered her 
heart and she at once joined the Church of the Brethren in 
Philadelphia. Almost simultaneously with conversion came 
the call in her heart to preach. She suppressed it for a time 



SARAH RIGHTER MAJOR 71 

and suffered great distress of mind, so much so that her fa- 
ther in a tender manner persuaded her to open her heart 
to him. He sympathized with her, spoke words of comfort 
to her and then advised with Brother Peter Keyser, who at 
the time was the leading minister of the congregation in 
Philadelphia. Brother Keyser spoke words of helpfulness, 
enabling her by the grace of God to overcome her fears, and 
begin the work of witnessing. Of course there were those 
who did not understand her call, spoke unkindly of her de- 
sires and discouraged her. But her strong convictions of the 
inward call, and the grace of her Lord enabled her to over- 
come, and in a very humble manner she began her public 
ministry in Philadelphia. 

About this time Brother Israel Poulson, of the Amwell 
congregation in New Jersey, hearing of her experience, and 
in deep sympathy with her purpose, invited her to visit his 
congregation, and for them she spoke to great edification. 
Her field of service grew rapidly, and even those prejudiced 
against hearing a woman preach, who could be induced to 
go and listen to her, went away disarmed of all their prej- 
udice. It is said that at one of the Conferences the question 
was raised as to whether she should be allowed to preach; 
but after hearing her the Brethren would not say her nay. 
All these trials she had considered beforehand. Like Paul, 
she had her Arabian experience where she counted the cost, 
was assured of the Lord, and then sought to do his will. 
Wherever she spoke she was urged to return and labor again 
among them. Though in a formal way never commissioned 
to preach, by common consent, and in recognition of the 
power and spirit of her message none forbade her. 

She had good taste, good judgment and fine feelings. 
Often the spirit of her discourse would lead her into elo- 
quence, and her appeals usually had great effect upon her 
own sex. Deeply spiritual, manifestly humble, and with no 
sign of ostentation, her manner and gesture in the pulpit al- 
ways became her. 

In 1842, when thirty-four years old, she was married to 
Brother Thomas Major, a minister of the Brethren. The fol- 
lowing year they sold their home, near Philadelphia, and 



72 SOME WHO LED 

moved to Highland County, Ohio, where they lived till the 
close of life. They reared three children and were prospered 
in earthly things, for though both preached the Gospel they 
also gave proper attention to the affairs of life. 

With due regard for Paul's teachings concerning married 
women, Sister Major felt there was still a place for her to 
labor. Her husband accompanied her when she went to 
hold meetings and assisted her all he could. When entering 
a place of worship she v/ould not take her place behind the 
stand, but wait for her husband to invite her. Often he went 
into the pulpit, opened the meeting, made a few remarks and 
then asked her to address the meeting. On one occasion 
they toured through Indiana, and among other places stopped 
in the Solomon's Creek congregation. Brother J. H. Warst- 
ler thus recounts the event: 

" When she and her husband entered the church she took 
a seat in front of the pulpit, while Brethren Shively and Ma- 
jor [her husband] went into the pulpit. After some little 
talk and arrangements on the part of the ministers. Brother 
Major invited her and she took her seat at his right side. In 
dress she was neat and plain, — a very plain bonnet which she 
soon laid aside, — and a shawl over her shoulders. Her face 
showed marks of age and care and labor. She was the pic- 
ture of meekness and humility, completely subject to the 
will of her husband. After the opening exercises she was 
invited to preach. She arose, slowly announced one of the 
old texts, and from it brought forth new truths that delight- 
ed my heart. The sermon was a masterpiece." 

She sympathized with the poor and wretched in every 
walk of life. Jails, infirmaries and like places received of her 
tireless ministry. The colored people were helped when she 
could reach them. In her later years she became much in- 
terested in temperance work. But her greatest force was in 
her private example and home work. She delighted to enter 
the home of a stranger or friend, and in a simple, unassum- 
ing manner break unto them the Bread of Life. Wherever 
she went everyone rejoiced in her visitation. 

Her husband survived her four years, and both sleep in the 
cemetery at Greenfield, Ohio. 



JACOB WINE 73 



JACOB WINE 

February 24, 1811— February 21, 1880. 

The subject of this sketch came from German ancestry. 
George Wine (Wein), his wife, and two little sons landed in 
Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 24, 1749. He settled in York County, 
Pa., and in 1770, it is known, they were members of the 
Little Canowago congregation. 

Michael, the youngest son, who was but three years old 
when he landed in America, and who is the ancestor of near- 
ly all the Wines in the United States, married Susanna Miller, 
of Frederick, Md., about the year 1773, and moved to Shen- 
andoah County, Va., near Forestville, in 1785. They had 
twelve children, — six sons and six daughters. 

John, the second son, married Elizabeth Garber, daughter 
of Elder Martin Garber, about the year 1803. They settled 
on the Moore farm, near Flat Rock, and adjoining the Mi- 
chael Wine place. Here Jacob Wine was born Feb. 24, 1811, 
being the grandson of Elder Martin Garber and the great- 
grandson of John Garber, the first brother to move to the 
Valley of Virginia. 

May 9, 1833, Jacob Wine married Catherine Nefif, daughter 
of John Neff. They had eight children, — two sons and six 
daughters. Daniel P. Wine, the youngest son, from whom 
the writer received some facts of this sketch, is an elder in 
the Flat Rock congregation at this time. 

Jacob Wine was elected to the office of deacon April 8, 
1845, and to the ministry April 8, 1846. He was advanced to 
the second degree of the ministry April 14, 1848, and or- 
dained to the eldership April 18, 1857. He preached his first 
sermon in Page County, Va., April 24, 1846, just sixteen days 
after his election to the ministry. His text was John 1: 29. 

In the early part of his ministry he preferred to speak in 
German, though after a time he spoke with freedom in both 



74 SOME WHO LED 

German and English. His education was equally divided be- 
tween them. He did not speak the German proper, — he used 
the " Valley Dutch," pure and simple, and his sermons were 
the finest specimens of the dialect known in that day. We 
have heard him deJiver a discourse in English from Rev. 22: 
18, 19, after which he rehearsed it briefly in German. 

As a speaker he was prompt, ready and fervent. When he 
arose to speak, he commanded attention at once. His first 
words reached the rear seats, and he began to speak before 
his audience had time to measure up either the speaker or his 
theme. He disarmed prejudice and opposition in the open- 
ing of his discourse by an appeal to the conscience of his 
hearers, and his never-to-bcrforgotten statement, "It will 
not be long till you and I will have to stand before that 
Great I Am," brought them face to face with the scene on 
the day of judgment. 

During his ministry he married nearly three hundred 
couples, — the first on Jan. 1, 1849, the last on Jan. 16, 1880. 
He also preached a great many funerals, — the last being that 
of Jacob Price, in New Market Va. 

He was especially active in preaching the Gospel in new 
fields, yet he, at no time, neglected the old grounds. He 
made many journeys through the scattered membership in 
West Virginia, often taking other ministers with him. All 
these trips were taken on horseback. He made one trip to 
Ohio on horseback. 

He was one of the faithful servants of the Prince of Peace 
during the Civil War. Aug. 12, 1863, he went on the yearly 
visit with Brother John Kline through the counties of Har- 
dy and Pendleton, in West Virginia, holding meetings. On 
their return both were arrested and taken before the military 
authorities. They gave a satisfactory account of their jour- 
ney, and were dismissed. A few weeks after Brother Kline*s 
death, at whose funeral Brother Wine took an active part, he 
received a note, one Saturday evening, warning him not to 
go to Flat Rock church r sxt day, as some parties were plan- 
ning to shoot him after services. But God turned the scale 
of events, and saved his servant for further duties. 

In many ways Brother Wine was a remarkable man. In 



JACOB WINE 75 

District and Annual Meetings he was modest and reserved. 
In the council meetings at home he was active and foremost. 
At funerals he was tender and sympathetic. When sin in 
high places needed exposure, he knew how to give it a scath- 
ing rebuke in direct scriptural quotations, to which none 
could object, and the force of which none could evade. 

To him we are indebted for the early history of the first 
settlers among the Brethren in Virginia, and especially near 
Flat Rock. In 1876 the writer was fortunate enough, to get 
a verbal history of Flat Rock church, in brief, from Brother 
Wine, which was published in the Brethren Almanac. 

He died Feb. 21, 1880, and was buried in the Flat Rock 
cemetery, a beautiful elevation overlooking the surround- 
ing country, the place of his birth and the scene of his labors. 



In Gospel Messenger, 1891, page 436, Brother Moomaw 
writes thus about "New Testament Idea of Church Govern- 
ment" : 

"The oft quoted apostolic council at Jerusalem may be 
taken as an illustration. A vast multitude of prohibitions 
might easily have been imposed upon the Gentile Christians 
at Antioch, and would have been, if the apostles had acted 
upon the judicial and legislative idea of church government. 
No doubt the necessity existed then, as much as it exists 
now, for numerous specifications, covering the whole range 
of human conduct, for human hearts and human sins have 
been the same in all ages. But beyond a very few matters, 
covering the most flagrant violations of the moral law, — 
idolatry and fornication; — the decree of the apostolic council 
explicitly laid upon them *no other burden.' Besides this we 
have, in the whole course of the New Testament history, only 
one case of judicial action, which was the suspension of the 
Corinthian fornicator, until deep repentance gave him the 
right to restoration. Nothing is more foreign to the apos- 
tolic practice, and nothing is less supported by the sanction 
of the Scriptures than the idea of church government by 
legislation. . . . All evidence goes to show that, in the 
government of the churches, the apostles themselves relied 
upon pastoral admonition and not upon legislation." 



76 



SOME WHO LED 




HIEL HAMILTON 

May 4, 1811— August 25, 1897. 

Born in New York State. His parents were of English 
descent. His father, while having a regard for religion, nev- 
er made a profession; but his mother, a Baptist, was known 
for her deep piety and strength of Christian character. 
When but a child the parents moved westward, locating a 
few miles southeast from Connersville, in Fayette County, 
Ind. Here in the rigors of frontier life the boy grew to man- 
hood amidst those rugged surroundings that had so much 
to do with success later in life. When but twelve his mother 
passed to the home above, leaving behind three little boys, 



HIEL HAMILTON 11 

one little girl and their father. The home broken up, Hiel 
went to live with James Taylor, in the eastern part of Union 
County, Ind., and remained with him till he was eighteen. 
Then the young man, starting out for himself, came to Four 
Mile Creek and worked on the farm. 

Though not twenty, on September 3, 1830, he was united 
in marriage to Nancy Kingery. This was a happy union, 
and together they fought well the battles of life. To them 
two sons and three daughters were born. 

When the region round about was still a wilderness and 
there were no roads nearer than three miles from his new 
home, on August 31, 1846, Brother Hamilton located his 
family near Kokomo, in Howard County, Ind. In 1880 his 
first wife passed away. In the fall of 1881 he married Mary 
Crull, of Flora, Carroll County, Ind., and took up his resi- 
dence at that place. She, too, passed away before Brother 
Hiel, and now with many years and bent down with age, he 
went to live with his daughter, Mary Brubaker, in Howard 
County. At the time of his death he was in the home of his 
daughter, Cynthia Deardorff, in Kokomo. 

When a young man, located on Four Mile Creek, he first 
saw the Brethren. Their long, flowing beards, simple life 
and manner of dress, along with their love for each other, 
seen in the Christian salutation and other ways, made a deep 
impression upon his young mind. After his first marriage he 
and his wife united with the Church of the Brethren in 1831. 
Brother John Moyer administered baptism. The splendid re- 
ligious training of his devout mother began at once to bear 
fruit. Education he had had no opportunity to secure, but 
now, by the use of a few books he was able to purchase, he 
began self-culture; he became an earnest student of the 
Word. This soon manifested itself in his daily life, and 
when, in 1845, the few scattered members of Howard and 
Carroll Counties desired to make choice of a minister, their 
voice through the Spirit called Brother Hiel Hamilton. It 
was still the days when there was no schoolhouse nor church 
in which to worship, but when the home was used. Here, 
amidst his brethren, he labored in the ministry. June 21, 
1856, he was ordained and given oversight of the Howard 



78 SOME WHO LED 

County church. He at once became the leader, inspirer and 
faithful shepherd of the ever-increasing flocks of the counties 
of Howard, Carroll and Cass. Through change of residence 
in 1880 to Flora, Carroll County, Ind., he took up the over- 
sight of the Bachelor Run congregation and labored there 
until he returned to Howard County in 1895. 

His build was rather heavy set, his face radiant with kind- 
liness, and his voice in tenderest accent. His messages pro- 
ceeded from deep spiritual experience and conviction; his 
life spoke for righteousness much louder than his words. 
If ever a shepherd was loved, the flocks which he tended 
loved him. He loved the Brotherhood. Twenty-one times 
he attended her Annual Conferences, and four of these times 
he was called to serve on the Standing Committee. He was 
a number of times officer of the District Meeting of Middle 
Indiana. His counsel was safe, his judgment fair and as near 
correct as human judgment can be. Children who once saw 
him seem never to have forgotten his kind face and loving 
smile. There was something there that made the child feel 
at home with him and the grown-up sit in silent admiration, 
listening to the words of wisdom as they fell from his lips. 

Says one who knew him nearly all his life, " There is no 
better index or more correct estimate of character than the 
unsolicited word of sympathetic regard and kindly approval 
of those who were associated with Father Hamilton, in the 
labors, trials, and deprivations incident to moving into a 
wilderness and by the blessings of divine Providence and 
great industry and courage he won success, gained a modest 
competency, reared a family and lived to see the wilderness 
blossom as the rose. An illustration of the survival of the 
fittest. His spiritual labors were comparatively greater than 
the physical, the Lord blessed his ministry, and success 
crowned the effort." 

His body is at rest in the cemetery twelve miles west of 
Kokomo, and his life and works still speak of better things 
in the world. 

Information for this sketch and quotation therein from Ar- 
temas Smith, Lincoln, Ind. 



DANIEL B. STURGIS 



79 




DANIEL B. STURGIS 

June 17, 1811— March 16, 1897. 

Elder Daniel B. Sturgis, who was not only a preacher of 
splendid ability, but a beloved physician as well, was born 
in eastern Tennessee. He was of English descent, and 
could easily trace his ancestry to one of three brothers, who 
emigrated to America before the Revolutionary War. Two 
of the brothers settled in New York, and one in Maryland. 
Brother D. B. Sturgis descended from the Maryland branch 
of the family, and was of the sixth generation. His father 
was a wealthy farmer, but lost his property by going secur- 
ity for others. This made it necessary for him to make a 
change, and he moved to Tennessee, where Daniel was born. 
Another move, when his son was three years old, brought 
him to Montgomery County, Ohio, when Dayton, the county 
seat, was but a small village. Like many others of his day, 
he caught the western spirit, and ventured on another move, 
this time locating in Greene County, 111., near the Macoupin 
County line. One year later he died, leaving the support of 



80 SOME WHO LED 

the family largely to young Daniel, then fourteen years old. 
Vandalia, the nearest postoffice, was eighty miles distant, and 
mail was received twice a year. It was twelve miles to the 
nearest gristmill, and being run by horsepower, each patron 
furnished a horse to help in grinding his own grist. In or- 
der to make the trip in one day, it was no unusual thing for 
the young lad to leave home long before daylight, sitting 
on a two-bushel sack of corn, thrown across his horse, while 
leading another, the latter to help on the mill. 

It is said that the schooling received by young Daniel 
did not exceed nine months, and this at short and irregular 
intervals. But he was eager for an education, and studied of 
evenings, generally having no other light than that furnished 
by a fire in the old-fashioned fireplace. He borrowed and 
read all the books he could secure, studied the common- 
school branches, and finally passed the examination that se- 
cured for him a certificate to teach in the district schools. 
While teaching in the winter and farming in the summer, he 
studied medicine, and in the new country there was an early 
demand for his services as a physician. Later he attended 
a medical college, and continued his studies until he became 
a physician of considerable reputation. 

Going back to his early life again, it is stated that he was 
of a devotional turn of mind, and this led him to attend 
church as opportunity permitted.. He studied his Bible and 
then studied the people who professed to believe what the 
Scriptures taught. And especially did he study the preach- 
ers. Seeing that none of them taught or obeyed the Gospel 
in full, he came to the conclusion that they were all a set 
of hypocrites, and he was not slow about telling them so. 
One Sunday morning, while in this state of mind, and when 
about fourteen years old, he was out hunting his mother's 
horses. He was barefooted, riding barebacked, clad in a 
pair of " tow " linen pantaloons, a shirt of the same material, 
and an old broken straw hat. In this condition he met Elder 
Isham Gibson, a marvelous man as a preacher and thinker, 
and accosted him by saying: "Well, I believe you are a 
preacher and, I presume, like the rest of them, you neither 
believe nor practice what the Gospel teaches?" Elder Gib-* 



DANIEL B. STURGIS 81 

son who, at the time, was on his way to an appointment, 
knew just how to interest young men of this class, and while 
talking they reached the place of meeting. The young man 
had become so interested in the talk that he ventured into 
the meeting, meaning to keep in the background as much as 
possible. But the sermon of the gifted man so riveted his 
attention that, when the service drew to a close, he found 
himself, clad as he was, seated on a front seat, drinking in 
every word that was said. Realizing his awkward situation, 
he beat a hasty retreat, mounted his horse and disappeared. 

Some years later in life we find him, as a young physician 
of some polish, approaching Elder Gibson, who happened 
to be in a field at the time, seeking information concerning 
the Brethren church. With the single exception of Elder 
George Wolf, there was no better-informed man among the 
Brethren in all the West at that time than Elder Gibson. 
He was a teacher by profession, knew the most of his Bible 
by heart, and possessed the rare faculty of presenting its 
teachings in a clear and forcible manner. He taught the 
young physician more thoroughly in the way of the Lord 
than he was ever before instructed. This led young Sturgis 
to ask the loan of the church discipline, if a copy could be 
had. Gibson told him he had a fine one and, going with 
him into the house, handed him a small black book. On 
opening the book, the doctor exclaimed: "Elder, this is the 
New Testament!** "Very well," said Gibson, "that is our 
discipline." 

This put the doctor to further thinking, and finally led to 
his being received into the church by confession and bap- 
tism. Elder Gibson performing the rite. This was in 1833, 
when he was about twenty-two years old. A short time 
afterwards his young wife also united with the church. He 
served as a deacon a year or more, and at the age of twenty- 
five was called to the ministry. Sept. 11, 1841, wh'en thirty 
years old, he was ordained to the eldership. Elder George 
Wolfe, who then resided in Adams County, conducting the 
services, being assisted by Elder Isham Gibson. 

Brother D. B. Sturgis entered into the active work of the 
ministry almost from the start. He had a good delivery, a 



82 SOME WHO LED 

charming voice, and in the pulpit presented an exceedingly 
pleasing and commanding appearance. He combined his 
profession as a physician with preaching the Gospel, and 
in this way came into close touch with the lives of a large 
number of people. He preached much in Illinois, Indiana, 
Iowa, and other States. He also engaged in a number of 
public discussions, and proved to be a strong and fearless 
defender of the faith. One of his debates was with 
Sidney Rigdon, the best informed Mormon elder of his day. 
He was often seen at the Annual Meeting, and repeatedly 
served on the Standing Committee, as well as on a number 
of committees sent to the churches, being sent on one 
occasion, — 1871, — to California. He also took an active 
part in bringing about the reconciliation between the 
General Brotherhood and the Far Western Brethren. In 
the performance of his general duties for the Broth- 
erhood, he attended twenty-seven Annual Meetings and 
thirty-one District Conferences. 

About the year 1850 he located in Bond County, 111., where 
he was instrumental in building up a strong congregation, 
and also greatly aided in establishing several others. In 
1863 he removed to South Bend, Ind., where he established 
a good medical practice, and also devoted much time to 
church work. Here the riper years of his life were spent in 
the interest of his fellow-men. But when he entered the 
afternoon of his life he felt a longing for the scenes of his 
early experiences and returned to Mulberry Grove, 111., where 
he closed his earthly pilgrimage, at the age of eighty-five 
years, having served in the ministry sixty-four years. He 
was twice married, — first to Susan Jackson, with whom he 
lived over fifty years. His second wife, Rachel Smith, was 
the companion of his old age, and they journeyed pleasant- 
ly together for eleven years. — J. H. Moore Elgin, 111. 



DANIEL P. SAYLER 



83 




DANIEL P. SAYLER 

June 23, 1811— June 6, 1885. 

In an unbroken line for an entire century Elder Daniel P. 
Sayler, his father and grandfather preached the Gospel and 
exercised a marked influence in the Church of the Brethren. 
And Daniel had an unrealized desire that he might have a 
son to follow him in preaching the Word of Truth. 

His great grandfather, Daniel, emigrated to this country 
from Switzerland in 1743 and located in Lancaster County, 
Pa. He was received into church fellowship by baptism by 
the Brethren in the Conestoga church in 1752. Some years 
later a tract of land was selected at Beaverdam, Frederick 



84 SOME WHO LED 

County, Md., and in 1772 the family located on their new es- 
tate. Here Daniel, the fourth, was born and lived all the 
years of his life. He was baptized August 20, 1837, and three 
years later was called to the ministry. It is said he felt the 
church made a mistake in asking him to preach, and was 
averse to accepting the call. He, however, consented to take 
up the sacred calling and proved from the beginning an elo- 
quent and powerful speaker. 

Soon after his call to the ministry he says, "A refreshing 
shower from the Lord was shed abroad among the people 
and one hundred were added to the church and baptized in 
less than three months. About ten of these were unmarried 
persons." While he does not say so, doubtless from a sense 
of modesty, it is well understood that the Lord used the 
young minister as an instrument in the conversion of these 
souls. So unusual was it for the unmarried to unite with the 
church at that time that it was thought worthy of mention 
He was ordained bishop May 7, 1850. 

Brother Sayler was easily a leader among men. He was 
strong physically, had a commanding presence, a fine, well- 
modulated voice, the subtle, indefinable influence, sometimes 
called magnetism, and the power of eloquence to assist him 
in his acquired ability as a minister, and few if any excelled 
in preaching the Word of God. He had the courage of his 
convictions and was a strong defender of the principles of 
the Gospel as understood and practiced by the Brethren. 

He was an active supporter of missions and conceived in 
his fertile brain a missionary plan that was, in some meas- 
ure, carried out by the church a quarter of a century later. 
In 1859 he was appointed chairman of a committee of five to 
report a plan for mission work. The report was made to the 
Conference of 1860, but failed to pass. The following para- 
graph from the report shows the advanced position the com- 
mittee occupied on mission work. After calling attention to 
the importance of mission work and giving a number of 
scriptures bearing on the subject, the report says: "And in 
view of the above consideration, the committee offers the 
following advice: That the churches of the Brotherhood 
form themselves into Districts, the brethren in those Dis- 



DANIEL P. SAYLER 85 

tricts to meet as often as they may judge it to be necessary 
to transact their business; that each of said Districts has its 
treasury, and each one of the churches which form said Dis- 
trict has its treasury, the former to be supplied out of the 
latter, and the latter to be supplied by weekly contributions, 
as directed by the Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 16: 2): 'Upon the 
first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in 
store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gathering 
when I come,' — a plan for raising pecuniary funds, of divine 
appointment, and is one which commends itself to our ac- 
ceptance, both from its authority and excellency." 

At the Conference at Saint Joseph, Mo., 1911, after the lapse 
of fifty-one years, steps were taken to have every member of 
each congregation in the entire Brotherhood give according 
to the plan suggested by the committee of 1861. And when 
this is accomplished the receipts for mission work will reach 
half a million annually. The names of the committee at- 
tached to the report are well worthy a place here: Daniel P. 
Sayler, John Kline, John Metzer, James Quinter. 

Elder Sayler served on the Standing Committee twenty-, 
four times, and was Moderator and Clerk a number of times. 
In 1859 and '60 he filled the office of both Moderator and 
Clerk. In those days it was the common practice that bish- 
ops who attended the Conference were appointed to succeed 
themselves on this important Committee. It was not un- 
usual for elders of ability and influence to serve a score or 
more years, consecutively, on the Standing Committee. He 
was also often chosen to serve on special Conference 
committees and his sound judgment made his help inval- 
uable. 

He was a man of deep convictions and strong determina- 
tion, and stood firmly for the truth as he saw it. When, aft- 
er careful consideration, he took a stand it was a hard task 
to move him. He was a firm supporter of the decisions of 
Conference when those decisions were in line with the Scrip- 
tures. His position is clearly set forth in a letter written to 
Elder R. H. Miller, in which he censures the latter for advis- 
ing a brother not to remarry, who had been separated from 
an unfaithful wife, until Conference gave consent for the in- 



86 SOME WHO LED 

nocent party to remarry. He believed that the innocent 
were free to marry again according to Christ's teaching. He 
says: "Brother Miller knows that Brother Sayler is a 
strong advocate of the decisions of Annual Meeting on all 
questions on which the Scriptures are silent. But as soon 
as Annual Meeting will assume authority to decide a ques- 
tion contrary to the expressed Word of the Lord I am and 
will be her bitter opponent, and will never submit to a deci- 
sion contrary to the expressed Word of the Lord." There is 
no uncertain sound in these words. 

Daniel P. Sayler was an optimist and looked on the bright 
side of life. In his later years at least he was fully con- 
vinced that the church was makinj^ progress in the right di- 
rection. He once said, when his race was nearly ended: 
"The church is better now than it was fifty years ago and 
I firmly believe it will be better fifty years hence than it now 
is." He was strongly opposed to division in the church and 
was active in his opposition to the Old Order and Progress- 
ive movements. 

Brother Sayler was a firm supporter of our church papers 
from the start and was a frequent contributor to their col- 
umns. He wrote and published a manual which is still used 
in the churches in the East. He was for a time associate 
editor of the Pilgrim, published at Huntingdon, Pa., at the 
time. His essays are to be found in nearly all our periodicals 
published in his day. 

He was a man of excellent business attainments and suc- 
ceeded well in a financial way. He was thus enabled to give 
much of his time to the church, which he did cheerfully and 
willingly, without compensation. It was his rule to pay his 
own expenses to Conferences when sent as a delegate. 

He was twice married and two daughters were born to 
him. The eldest died at the age of fifteen, a heavy stroke 
to the parents. His second wife and babe, a little girl, sur- 
vived him. She lives at this time at Waynesboro, Pa. The 
mother was called home several years ago. 

When the Lord called Brother Sayler home it could well 
be said of him that " there is a prince and a great man fallen 
in Israel this day." 



JOHN A. BOWMAN 



87 




JOHN A. BOWMAN 

June 20, 1813— Sept. 8, 1863. 

One of the notable men of the Church of the Brethren was 
John A. Bowman, born in Washington County, Tenn. He 
received a common-school education, but such were his nat- 
ural abilities that his intellectual development far exceeded 
common-school opportunities. He was a self-made man and 
was blessed with more than ordinary oratorical powers. In 
1830 he was married to Mariah L. Worthington, and three 
sons and three daughters came to bless their home. He 
united with the Church of the Brethren about the year 1832, 
and ten years later he was called by the church to the min- 



88 SOME WHO LED 

istry. He was ordained to the bishopric about 1853. In 
this high calling he labored faithfully and most earnestly. 

Soon after his marriage Brother Bowman moved with his 
family to Sullivan County, Tenn., and located near Blount- 
ville. The Pleasant Hill church owes its organization to his 
faithful labors. It was organized about 1842 and he and 
Madison Bowman were its first elders. 

Brother Bowman had a multitude of friends besides those 
who were his by the ties of Christian fellowship. At one time 
he was requested by Hon. Landon C. Haynes, one of East 
Tennessee's leading attorneys, to preach a sermon on tem- 
perance, which he did on his forty-fifth birthday, in the Bap- 
tist church in Blountville. The sermon was so highly appre- 
ciated that it was printed in pamphlet form. 

And now comes a sad experience in the life of our brother. 
In arranging for the comfort of their aged mother, it was 
agreed that in consideration of a certain sum to be paid from 
the estate of their brother Samuel Bowman was to care for 
her during life. Samuel died and his brother, John A., was 
appointed administrator of the estate. The mother of her 
own choice made her home with John A., and it was natural 
that he would expect the contract continued in his favor. 
But some of the heirs objected, and filed a bill of chancery 
in court. At the advice of the church Brother Bowman de- 
fended himself, the case was decided in his favor, and he set- 
tled up his brother's estate seemingly to the satisfaction of 
all. Later, however, some became dissatisfied, charges were 
preferred against him and finally he was disfellowshiped. 

After this action taken by the church, deeming it unjust, he 
continued to preach and labor for the church as he had done 
before, although he deeply deplored the action of the church 
in his case. He often said that if God spared his life until 
the close of the Civil War he would appear before the Stand- 
ing Committee at Annual Meeting and ask for a committee 
to adjust the matter. Owing to his sad death he was not 
permitted to do this, but Elders James R. Gish and Henry 
Garst interested themselves in the case and appeared, per- 
sonally, before the Standing Committee of 1866, and a com- 
mittee of twelve elders was appointed to investigate the case. 



JOHN A. BOWMAN 89 

Only six of the committee attended the investigation, which 
was most thorough in its character, and the result was that 
the committee decided that Brother John A. Bowman had 
been unjustly disfellowshiped. The com.mittee found that 
he had only done what the church had granted him permis- 
sion to do. It was further decided that since he had not 
been legally dealt with, all persons having come into fellow- 
ship with him during this period of his ministerial labors 
should be received into full fellowship in the church without 
rebaptism. The full report of this committee with names at- 
tached is still preserved. 

Brother Bowman seemed to have been endowed with pro- 
phetic vision. He contended for the single mode of feet 
washing, and for the sisters breaking bread, as has been the 
practice of the church for some years. He introduced this 
practice in the churches he organized after his illegal expul- 
sion. He was always willing to give and take counsel. 

Brother Bowman's labors extended over East Tennessee, 
North Carolina and Virginia. He had a wide influence, was 
a giant in intellect, and was one of the leading pulpit orators 
of his time. He was a close student of the Bible, and this 
in part accounts for his great power among men. He pos- 
sibly conducted more funeral services and solemnized more 
marriages than any minister contemporary with him. 

A quarter of a mile from the Pleasant Hill church, at his 
barn, Sept. 8, 1863, the fatal shot was fired, by one " who 
wore the grey," that caused his death. That sharp musket- 
shot penetrated many homes and touched many hearts, as 
the dastardly deed of the assassin was borne on the still 
morning air by the pitiful grief and moans of his loving 
companion and dear children. He truly died a martyr's 
death. It is well known that the position he took in favor 
of peace and against war made him enemies among a certain 
class. He often told his congregations that he was not seek- 
ing to please men but God, and to do his Master's will. 

On September 9, 1863, with storm clouds hovering near and 
the din of battle in the distance, on a beautiful hilltop in the 
Pleasant Hill cemetery his mortal remains were laid to rest. 

Samuel H. Garst. 



90 



SOME WHO LED 




At the Age of Forty. 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MOOMAW 

March 30, 1814 — November 6, 1900. 

Born near Roanoke, in Botetourt County, Va., the third 
child of four sons and four daughters of Christian and Cath- 
erine Snyder Moomaw. The paternal side has French, and 
the maternal, German ancestry. The father, a Baptist, and 
the mother. Church of the Brethren, instilled into their chil- 
dren a deep religious bent that directed their lives in the 
high plane on which Benjamin lived. Just the very ordinary 
" reading, writing and 'rithmetic " of the common school 
was available to Benjamin while most of the time was spent 
on the farm in hard labor. This gave him the robust con- 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MOOMAW 91 

stitution and enabled him to endure many hardships when 
engaged in the frontier missionary work of his earlier minis- 
try. It also gave him high ideals, unbiased by the ways of 
evil, and this with other advantages inherited made it possible 
for him to be the leader among his fellows that he was. 

Frugality, business foresight and diligence brought much 
gain for the labor of his hands; yet he was not greedy of 
filthy lucre. His gain must be untainted. He did not believe 
in holding slaves, though his father was a slaveholder. When 
the estate was divided, instead of slaves, whom he would not 
keep, his portion came in money. Instead of using this to 
enlarge his own resources he donated this amount to the 
African Colonization Society for the promotion of their 
good work. Thus seeking the higher planes of life it is not 
surprising that he was sought to be associated in important 
business enterprises in the city of Roanoke, and though 
strictly rural in life, he was a factor in the development cf 
the city near him. 

When the Civil War broke out Brother Moomaw was 
looked upon as best suited to assist the Brethren in those 
trying times. Many officers in the armies of the conflicting 
sides coming from "Old Dominion" knew the stalwart char- 
acter of B. F. Moomaw, and his petitions always command- 
ed an attending ear. Thus it was that he was able to secure 
release from conscription for the many who appealed to him 
for aid. It was in a large part through his efforts also that 
the Confederate Congress passed a law exempting the Breth- 
ren from military service because of their convictions about 
war. Then, during the days when the boys in gray marched 
northward and his farm lay in their path, and during the oth- 
er days when the boys in blue marched southward and his 
home was again in their path, his large heart, always for 
peace and good-will to all men, knew no side as he and his 
sought to administer to the wants of the sick and suffering. 
They were trying days, too, in spite of his impartiality. Once 
he was suspected of disloyalty to the South. A trap was laid 
to catch him, thereby to prove him a traitor; but not being 
one at heart he came out more than innocent, — much ad- 



92 SOME WHO LED 

mired and loved by those who kept watch over him during 
the time. 

On June 1, 1837, Brother Moomaw was united in marriage 
to Mary Ann Grouse, of Rockingham County, Va. She 
proved a helpmate, a conscientious companion, an inspiration 
to all his best impulses and earnest Christian efforts. To 
them seven sons and three daughters were born. Four sons 
were elected to the ministry and one to the deaconship in 
the Church of the Brethren. 

About 1840 B. F. and his wife put on Christ in baptism in 
uniting with the Church of the Brethren, thus beginning their 
earthly Christian pilgrimage. In the course of time he was 
chosen to the ministry. This new responsibility was received 
seriously. He labored faithfully in word and doctrine. He 
not only assisted in caring for the services in the home con- 
gregation, but the people in the surrounding counties sat in 
darkness and yearned for the light and he responded to their 
call. It was thus through his efforts for the most part that 
the congregations called Potts Creek, Alleghany, Purgatory 
Creek, Bedford, Saunders, Mountain View, Peter's Chapel 
and some more distant yet, were built up. But he not only 
began the work, he repeatedly visited them, shepherding 
them until through organization they were able to care for 
themselves. 

He was a leader in District work in First Virginia. Often 
the Moderator of the Meeting, always a wise counsellor, ever 
ready to lend aid where needed, he did much in bringing 
about the victories credited to this territory. He regularly 
attended Annual Conferences, during his active years, served 
on Standing Committee from his District, and at least once 
was an officer of the Conference. He was frequently placed 
on important committees and served them well. 

Brother Moomaw's pen ministry through the church peri- 
odicals was very helpful. His epistolary debate with Dr. 
Jackson, with the result that the latter accepted the faith of 
the Brethren, showed not only the" power but the spirit in 
which Brother Moomaw led his opponent to the truth. He 
also wrote a very able treatise, in dialogue form, on nonre- 
fiistance, and a booklet on the divinity of Christ 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MOOMAW 93 

He was uncompromising on war, slavery, worldly dissipa- 
tions, and a strong defender of the ordinances as practiced 
by the Brethren. As a minister he did not have unusual 
gifts. His voice was well modulated, and strong; his eye 
had a keen search, though kindly expression, and his ges- 
ture was but another avenue through which he expressed the 
earnestness of his soul. People heard him gladly wherever 
he spoke; but especially in the mountain districts where he 
loved to labor did they hang on his words, and many were 
gathered into the fold. 

His religion was a part of his home life. Speaking of this 
his son, D. C, writes: "One of the most cherished mem- 
ories of my childhood is that memory of the evening songs 
and fervent prayers in which he glorified a loving Savior and 
commended his household to the affectionate care of a Heav- 
enly Father." 

Though having almost perfect health all his life he did not 
grow impatient as the close of life came. He knew the end 
was at hand, and like one lying down for restful sleep and 
pleasant dreams, he was ready to go. His body rests in the 
cemetery on the old homestead, while his life of faithful serv- 
ice still speaks in the community where he lived and labored. 

Information for this sketch supplied by D. C. Moomaw, 
Roanoke, Va. 



" Rise, O my soul, with thy desires, to heaven. 
And with thy divinest contemplation use 

Thy time, where time's eternity is given. 

And let vain thoughts no more thy thoughts abuse, 

But down in midnight darkness let them lie; 

So live thy better, let thy worse thoughts die. 

"And thou, my soul, inspired with holy flame. 
View and review, with most regardful eye. 
That holy Cross, whence thy salvation came; 

On which thy Savior and thy sin did die; 
For in that sacred object is much pleasure, 
And in that Savior is thy life, thy treasure." 



See extract from writings, page 75. 



94 



SOME WHO LED 




JOHN FORNEY 

April 25, 1815— February 6, 1895. 

Born on a farm near Berlin, Somerset County, Pa. His 
parents, hardy German stock, were among the early settlers 
in the county; they were members of the Brethren church, and 
actively engaged in the work of the kingdom as opportunity 
in the early day afforded. John was the sixth child in a fam- 
ily of eight sons and three daughters. What little education 
he was permitted to have was in the German, save three 
months' English school. His Bible was his only reader. 
Thus John grew to manhood on the farm, and developed 
ability to be a handy man at most anything, for he soon was 



JOHN FORNEY 95 

able to do good work as a mason, cooper and carpenter as 
well. In 1846 he became interested in the practice of medi- 
cine and turned his attention to its study. He did not have 
the opportunity of going to medical college, but read, ob- 
served closely and profited thereby. His medical efforts were 
of great value and highly appreciated in the communities 
where he lived. He was especially good on diagnosis; and 
with an unusually strong memory he could bring to bear his 
extensive reading and growing experience, making his ability 
to treat difficult cases with unusual success. He was very 
fortunate in treating cancer. His common farmer appear- 
ance never corresponded with the ideal the stranger formed 
of him before sending for him or going to him for treat- 
ment; yet he was usually so successful that one such 
disappointed man epitomized the general opinion, when 
Jie said, "He is the longest-headed Dutchman that I 
ever saw." 

In 1858 he moved to Illinois, living for a time in Ogle and 
Carroll Counties. Then in 1869 he moved his family to a 
farm near Falls City, Nebr. Nine years later he had occa- 
sion again to move, this time to a farm near Abilene, Kans., 
where he resided until his death. As a farmer he was pros- 
pered and, considering the fact of his keeping up a somewhat 
extensive practice in medicine, his record was remarkable. 

But greatest interest centers around his religious activities. 
In 1833, when eighteen, he confessed Christ and united with 
the Church of the Brethren. His zeal seemed to know no 
bounds. Soon after, through love for the Book of books, he 
conceived the idea of committing the entire New and Old 
Testaments to memory, so that in case the Book should be 
destroyed he would be able to reproduce it. Through death 
of his wife, leaving him with five little boys, he did not get 
this completed, but few if any persons were able to quote 
correctly as much Scripture and give as accurate reference 
as he did. After serving a number of years as deacon, in 
1856 he was elected to the ministry. This was followed in 
1870 by being ordained and given the oversight of the Silver 
Creek congregation. However, his labors were not confined 
to his own congregation. At one time he had the oversight 



96 SOME WHO LED 

of seven congregations. The churches through Nebraska, 
Kansas and Missouri once or twice a year received his visit 
and earnest messages. His travels, mostly by private con- 
veyance, would sometimes cover a thousand miles or more 
before his return. Though a fearless expounder of the truth, 
which often called forth challenges for debate, he avoided it 
as much as possible. On the other hand, few equaled him 
in repartee, so quick and forceful were his witty replies. He 
would sometimes say in defense of his answers, that so often 
cut deep, " I can stand a great deal, but when I see the Gos- 
pel trampled under foot, it stirs my spirit," and woe to that 
man who stirred his spirit! "He did not waste his time in 
criticising others, but used it in giving what the Bible says 
on the subject," says his son Benjamin. "And," continuing, 
" he was not a great orator, but had the faculty of calling up 
any passage of Scripture and quoting it, even to naming 
chapter and verse. This he could do so well that he was 
called the walking Bible concordance." 

From his home in Kansas he labored to great edification 
as State Evangelist for the Church of the Brethren. Often 
his fellow-laborer was Brother J. D. Trostle, and through 
their efforts many souls were brought to Christ and a num- 
ber of congregations were established. He was a diligent 
student of church history, a strong advocate of education, 
and while attending Bible terms at McPherson College, 
would be overheard to say, "Oh, that I might have had such 
opportunities when I was young!" He was even tempered, 
energetic, strong of body and mind, and had wide experience. 

By his first marriage, to Eve Horner, he had five children; 
by his second marriage, to Elassanna Stahl, fourteen chil- 
dren. At the time of his death his descendants were one 
hundred and three grandchildren and twenty-five great- 
grandchildren, though three children, twenty-one grandchil- 
dren and two great-grandchildren had died before him. 

After forty years of faithful service in the ministry the end 
came suddenly one day through paralysis, and his body rests 
in the cemetery near Abilene. 

Information for this sketch was supplied by Bishop Ben- 
jamin Forney, of Navarre, Kans. 



JAMES QUINTER 



97 




JAMES QUINTER 

Feb. 1, 1816— May 19, 1888. 

The earthly pilgrimage of Elder James Quinter began at 
Philadelphia, Pa., and ended in his never-to-be-forgotten 
death at North Manchester, Ind., at the Conference of 1888. 
His parents knew the meaning of daily toil for the support 
of their family of three, James and his two sisters. In 1824 
the family moved to Phoenixville, Pa., where father and son 
found work in the iron mills in that city. The latter, with 
donkey cart, gathered the finished work at the numerous 
benches and took it to the depository. Five years of toil 
and the father, through exposure, was stricken down and 



98 SOME WHO LED 

died in 1829. James, though but thirteen, manfully took up 
the burden of assisting in supporting the family. 

In those days the poor had but scanty educational advan- 
tages, and those afforded James were interfered with by the 
demands made on his time in support of the family. But 
such was his desire for an education that he overcame every 
obstacle and made rapid progress in his studies. The Bible 
and the best standard authors were carefully and diligently 
read and studied, and these had a marked influence in mould- 
ing the strong Christian character of the young man. His 
mother, sharing his ambition for higher education, secured 
work for him with Philip Rosenberger, near Freeland Col- 
lege, where he spent some time. He made the best possible 
use of his opportunities and became one among the best edu- 
cated men of his time. 

After leaving school he began work in the store of Isaac 
Price, but it was soon found that the reserved, studious 
young man was not fitted for merchandizing. Brother Price 
says of him: "I soon found that he was too reserved to 
make a good storekeeper and asked Brother Fitzwater to 
take him on the farm." In Brother Fitzwater's home he 
found a blessed retreat and was brought under the influence 
of a good Christian family and was led to accept Christ. 

In 1831 a series of meetings was held in the neighborhood 
in which Brother Quinter lived, and among those converted 
were Brethren Umstad, George and Isaac Price, Samuel Sup- 
plee and Brother Fitzwater. These earnest men started 
meetings at the old Greentree schoolhouse, and here Broth- 
er James was brought under conviction. He was deeply 
aroused and spent much time in prayer. One day, while at 
work in the barn, in answer to his earnest prayer the Lord 
spoke peace to the penitent seeker. He stopped work and 
cried out " I've got it — I've got it," and running to the house 
told how he had received the peace of God. He was baptized 
in his seventeenth year in the Coventry church. 

In a letter written thirty years later he thus refers to those 
early days and experiences: "How distinctly do I remem- 
ber the meetings in the old log schoolhouse . . . where 
the bow, * though drawn at venture,* sent arrows of convic- 



JAMES QUINTER 99 

tion to my poor heart, which produced pain and sorrow from 
which I could find no relief, until I found it in the healing 
stream which flowed from the pierced side of the dying Savior. 
That same night, after the meeting alluded to, we stopped, 
as I well remember, at the Pilgrim's Rest, the homestead of 
Brother Umstad. Here we had further devotional services, 
for more besides myself felt very miserable on account of 
our sins, and the kind and zealous Christian friends knew 
it, and were willing to labor at a late hour of the night for 
our comfort and salvation. How solemn was that night to 
me, when journeying homeward along the romantic Schuyl- 
kill, alone, * without Christ . . . having no hope and with- 
out God in the world.' Lonely and lost I indeed felt. And I 
regard it as a fortunate circumstance for me, and much to 
my advantage, that my home was in a Christian family, that 
of Brother Fitzwater . . . Here we found, I humbly 
trust, peace in believing, and experienced the power of God 
unto salvation. 

"And what blessed meetings we had in those days of the 
planting the church at Greentree! How simple and how 
childlike were our exercises! How warm our zeal! How 
ardent our Christian love for one another! How close were 
our hearts drawn together in Christian fellowship! And 
how we loved God because he first loved us. Those were 
happy times, oases, or green watered spots in the land of 
our pilgrimage." 

Very early in life Brother Quinter felt a strong call to 
preach the Gospel. He was elected to the ministry in 1838. 
Before this time the Brethren, recognizing the great gift in 
him, had invited him to preach, and this he did, but waited 
for the call to come through the church before taking up 
the work regularly. He was ordained to the bishopric in 
1856 by the advice of the elders assembled at Annual Con- 
ference. He taught school for a number of years in differ- 
ent parts of his native State, and at one time was examiner 
of teachers for the public schools. 

His unusual ability as a preacher brought him many calls 
from his own and adjoining States. He was known as the 
boy preacher, and God so blessed his ministry that large 



100 SOME WHO LED 

numbers were added to the church through his efforts. He 
accompanied Elder Umstad on a preaching tour through 
Pennsylvania, and their labors were abundantly blessed. In 
1842 he received an urgent call to locate in Georges Creek 
church, Fayette County, Pa., where the Brethren purchased 
and presented him with a small farm. To this he brought 
his mother and widowed sister with her three boys. By 
teaching and farming he was enabled to make a modest liv- 
ing. 

His ministry in Fayette County was wonderfully blessed 
of God. Some sixty persons were received into church fel- 
lowship during the first six months of his labors. Among 
these was Brother John Wise, who was to become a promi- 
nent leader in the church. He says of Brother Quinter, at 
that time in charge of the Ten Mile church: "On the 14th 
day of June I and my sister were baptized and between that 
date and October 18 there were fifty-two persons baptized 
in that congregation under his ministry. He was also pres- 
ent when I was chosen to the ministry. To his kindly care 
for me I owe much of my success in the ministry." 

He was united in marriage, Sept. 17, 1850, with Mary Ann 
Moser. One daughter came to bless their home, Lydia Isa- 
bella, now the wife of Elder J. T. Myers, for many years 
pastor of the Greentree church, where Brother Quinter was 
converted. Seven years later his companion died of con- 
sumption. 

In 1855 Elder Henry Kurtz found in his assistant Writing 
Clerk at the Conference, Brother Quinter, the man he was 
looking for to become assistant editor of the Gospel 
Visitor. He believed the finger of God had thus pointed 
out the one best fitted for the place. He says: "Our dear 
Brother James Quinter was nominated our assistant in the 
clerkship, and performed the duties thereof acceptably. 
From this we took courage to call him to our assistance in 
the editorship, as being pointed out by the finger of God." 

The appointment, coming to him unsolicited, was accept- 
ed, and in the spring of 1856 he moved from Pennsylvania 
to Poland, Ohio, much to the regret and sorrow of the con- 
gregation where he had labored for a number of years. He 



JAMES QUINTER 101 

began his editorial work at once, which was continued with- 
out break for thirty-two years, when the Lord called him 
home. Of his work at this time he says: " It has been with 
considerable reluctance that I have consented to become as- 
sistant editor, but the hope that the relation I shall sustain 
to the Brotherhood, through the Gospel Visitor, may afford 
me increased facilities for rendering service to the church, 
and through the church to the Lord, has induced me to as- 
sume the responsibilities I have." 

Three and a half years after the death of his first wife he 
was united in marriage with Sister Fannie Studebaker. Two 
daughters were born to them, Mary N., now laboring faith- 
fully as a missionary in India, and Grace, married to Brother 
F. F. Holsopple, residing at Huntingdon, Pa. 

The lack of educational advantages in the church and his 
own struggles to obtain an education awoke in Brother 
Quinter a desire to see a school established in the church 
where our young people might have the advantages denied 
them until that time. Buildings erected at New Vienna, 
Ohio, for an academy were offered for sale and purchased 
by the Brethren as suitable for the proposed school. It was 
opened in 1861 and continued for three years, when it was 
closed on account of business depression superinduced by 
the Civil War. In Brother Quinter the cause of higher edu- 
cation found a warm friend and a zealous worker, and to 
him, in a large measure, we are indebted for the advanced 
position now held by the church on education. For nine 
years preceding his death he was president of Juniata Col- 
lege. 

In 1873 he became sole proprietor of the Gospel Visitor 
and the Christian Family Companion, and in 1876 these 
were consolidated with the Pilgrim and issued under the 
name of the Primitive Christian, published at Huntingdon. 
In 1883 the Brethren at Work and the Primitive Christian 
were united and the Gospel Messenger was the result. 
Brother Quinter was editor-in-chief of the consolidated pa- 
pers until his earthly labors ended. 

He was called upon a number of times to defend the doc- 
trines of the Gospel, as held by the church, in public debates. 



102 SOME WHO LED 

He conducted his debates with kindness and courtesy that 
always won for him in the end. Two of his public discus- 
sions were published: the Quinter and McConnell and the 
debate held with Rev. P. S. Snyder. These books had a 
large sale among our people. In 1867 he completed the com- 
pilation of the " Brethren's Hymn Book," and in 1886 pub- 
lished the crowning work of his life, " Trine Immersion." 
It is an able defense of the apostolic form of Christian bap- 
tism and one of the standard works of the church on the 
subject. 

Brother Quinter was easily the leading evangelist in the 
Church of the Brethren in his day. His sermons were logi- 
cal, the points clearly and forcibly made and free from the 
slightest attempt at sensationalism. He was somewhat emo- 
tional, just enough to make his earnest appeals to sinners 
at times irresistible. He had a large vocabulary and a fine 
use of English, and his preaching was much appreciated by 
all who heard him. Under his preaching a greater number 
of conversions took place than under that of any other of 
our ministers up to his time. 

His life was marked by a pervading piety, a deep religious 
feeling and a spirituality of the highest type. He gave it 
freely and unreservedly to God, the church and to humanity. 
It was a life crowned with ripened years and with the love 
and esteem of all who knew him best; a life of constant en- 
deavor for the advancement of all that was good, and true, 
and beautiful; a life filled with a love and sympathy as 
broad as the human race; a life of righteousness, of such 
holy living and such purity of thought and purpose that it 
was at once an example and a blessing to all who came in 
touch with it. God blessed him and made him a blessing to 
humanity. 



SAMUEL ZIGLER 103 



SAMUEL ZIGLER 

Oct. 11, 1816— Nov. 30, 1901. 

Human life, always interesting, becomes doubly so through 
the touch of the Divine. It then becomes a study of great 
profit as well as of interest. And since the perpetuation of 
the good through coming generations is dependent upon the 
establishment of high ideals of faith and duty in the minds of 
the youth, the lives of our fathers are of special worth to us 
and should be preserved. It is with this in view that the fol- 
lowing is written. 

Elder Samuel Zigler came of good German parentage. His 
ancestor, Philip Zigler, migrated to this country from Berne, 
Switzerland, in 1746, and settled near Rehrersburg, Berks 
County, Pa. Two generations later John Zigler married 
Elizabeth Kline, sister of Elder John Kline, of sacred mem- 
ory, and in 1812 moved from Lebanon County, Pa., to Tim- 
berville, Rockingham County, Va. Here Samuel was born, 
being the fourth of a family of thirteen children. He was 
reared in the parental home by tender hands and was given 
such opportunities as the village could afford and the cir- 
cumstances of the family would permit. However, the death 
of George by drowning, the decision of John to be a tanner, 
and of Jacob to learn the potter's trade left him in charge of 
the farm. His school days were few, and the instruction he 
received was mainly in German. But a strong determination 
to win served him well in this, as in many other experiences 
that came to him. 

For the most part of his life his home was on the farm a 
few miles from his birthplace. He prospered financially, de- 
spite the heavy losses he sustained during the Civil War by 
fines, exemption fees, live stock, grain, crops, etc. The op- 
posing armies would frequently be camping about his dwell- 



104 SOME WHO LED 

ing, or marching to and fro, laying waste the land. As the 
fortunes of war shifted, marauding bands would seize upon 
the things available and appropriate them to the use of the 
army. At times the bare necessities of life were left. 

He was unalterably opposed to the war, because war is 
always wrong. Yet no soldier, either Federal or Confed- 
erate, went from his door hungry or cold when conditions 
would permit giving him aid. Sometimes this could not be 
done with safety. As an instance of this the following cir- 
cumstance is related: On one occasion when the Federal 
forces were retreating, a soldier, broken in spirit, called at 
his home for lodging during the night. Elder Zigler told 
him that, on account of the approach of the Confederate 
forces, it was not safe for him to stay. The soldier, being 
German, replied, " They comes for me I goes mit dem." 
Hardly had the shade of night thickly set over the land ere 
the house was surrounded by men with guns and swords who 
demanded the Yankee. The scene that followed, when the 
poor fellow was led away in the darkness, will not fade from 
the memory of those who saw it. 

He was always considerate of the poor. His home was 
for years a veritable haven of rest for the needy. The cry 
of the orphan and the widow found a ready response in his 
heart. On December 30, 1862, when the Linville Creek church 
paid $9,000 for the Brethren who were unable to pay the fees 
exacted by the Confederate Government to exempt them 
from military service, it is well known that he contributed 
a large amount to this fund. In the later years, when the 
home for the aged members of the church was established, 
he bestowed with a liberal hand. 

From youth his morals were beyond question. His con- 
version occurred in his 26th year. On Friday, April 4, 1856, 
Elder John Kline made the following entry in his diary: 
"Council meeting at our meetinghouse. Brother Samuel 
Zigler is elected to the deaconship. We might have selected 
a man of more words; but I am persuaded that one of a 
purer mind and heart could not have been found." Nearly 
two years later he was chosen minister, and in succession 
was advanced to the eldership. 



SAMUEL ZIGLER 105 

Elder Zigler's ministry was of the most unusual order. 
At his election to this sacred office he seemed to lack every 
essential qualification to fill it, except that of a pure heart 
and deep consecration of life. He was extremely timid. 
His education was deficient, and he lacked the ordinary pow- 
er of expressing his thought. Yet few men have made such 
a record of faithfulness and devotion to duty as he. Pos- 
sessed of a strong body and an indomitable will, he recog- 
nized no such thing as failure to meet an appointment, re- 
gardless of weather conditions. And somehow the people 
came to be anxious to hear what he had to say when he 
arose to speak. 

In personal work he was most successful. He was not a 
-fluent conversationalist, but he knew how to enter into the 
joys and sorrows of the individual life. And his appeals to 
the unconverted were heart-searching. A prominent citizen, 
in relating his experience in coming to the church, said, 
" When Uncle Sammie placed his arm across my shoulder 
and inquired why I should not be a Christian, it was more 
than I could stand." 

As a shepherd to the flock he was tenderly considerate to 
all; and his constant labor was for the purity and uplift of 
the church. His ideals of Christian deportment were clear- 
ly defined, and the wrong doer was made to give an account 
for his misdeeds. In missionary zeal he was earnest and 
persevering. For many years he, at his own charge, rode 
on horseback through the hills and mountains to the west 
of the Shenandoah Valley, seeking to save the lost; and to 
this day his name is a household word throughout that land. 
Now, there are three well-organized churches within the 
territory in which he and his associates labored. 

On March 27, 1841, he married Anna Miller, daughter of 
Elder Daniel Miller, in whom he found a true helpmate. In 
all things pertaining to the establishment of the home they 
were united; in the training of their children, six sons and 
five daughters, they were one; in the affairs of the church 
she, in true, wifely devotion, chose to shine through the 
life of her husband; and in every way she joined with him in 
making his work a success. But it would seem that 



106 SOME WHO LED 

the death angel came early to summon her home, for 
his labor was not yet ended. In her last moments 
as the portals were nearly open, she turned with anx- 
ious heart to his welfare. She called her children to the 
bedside and asked of them that they encourage him as she 
had ever done. As yet she knew not how her helpfulness 
would continue with him. For more than twenty-one years 
he labored on and as the shadows lengthened over his path- 
way it was with ever-increasing tenderness that he spoke of 
" mother " and the days of yore. This influence may have 
helped him to live old age really well. While he was yet 
strong others were prepared for his labors when his armor 
should be laid aside. He was interested in the work of the 
church to the end and had the greatest pleasure of seeing all 
of his children, who reached maturity, and many of his 
grandchildren, actively engaged in it. 

Much of the time during his last years was spent in read- 
ing the Bible aloud, of which he seemed never to tire. Fi- 
nally, after a brief illness, at the of 85 years, 1 month, 
and 19 days, the hour for which he longed came. He quietly 
and peacefully passed to his eternal home and his body rests 
in the Linville Creek cemetery by the side of her who was 
so much to him all through life. 

"So his life has flowed 
From the mysterious urn a sacred stream, 
In whose calm depth the beautiful and pure 
Alone are mirrored; which, though shapes of ill 
May hover round its surface, glides in light. 
And takes no shadow from them." 

D. H. Zigler, Broadway, Va. 



ISAAC LONG 107 



ISAAC LONG 

September 12, 1818— March 25, 1895. 

Born in Rockingham County, Va., where he lived all his 
life. One of a family of five sons and three daughters of 
Isaac and Barbara Miller Long. Isaac's father was the first 
bishop of the Mill Creek congregation of the Church of the 
Brethren, a godly man, well supplemented in his labors by 
a faithful wife of unusual piety. They reared their family on 
the farm amidst those healthful physical and spiritual sur- 
roundings so conducive to the highest and noblest manhood 
and womanhood. The opportunities for an education were 
very limited, but Isaac had a natural gift in vocal music that 
helped him to leadership wherever he went. In 1841 he 
was united in marriage to Eliza Sanfley, and by this union 
eight children were born, three daughters and four sons 
reaching maturity, and all, except one, earnest members of 
the Church of the Brethren. 

Brother Long in his early manhood combined farming 
and sawmilling very successfully. As a farmer he was an 
example and inspiration to those about him; at the sawmill, 
— the old-fashioned waterpower drive with upright saw, — 
he showed business tact and rendered the community splen- 
did service. His whole-souled nature, along with his gold- 
en-rule methods, made it a pleasure to deal with him. As 
years gathered about him, and the Lord prospered him in 
his labors, he increased his giving to the church and every 
worthy charitable institution within his reach. His name 
usually with the largest figures headed the subscription list 
of the community; poverty found easy access to his heart 
and the poor everywhere knew of his large-heartedness in 
a practical way. 

He was among those who did not put on Christ early in 
life. In those days it was the custom for people to do so 



108 SOME WHO LED 

after they were "settled down in life." So it happens that 
not until he was about thirty-one did he and his wife unite 
with the Church of the Brethren. But when the Lord won 
Isaac Long he won a host. The first week of his member- 
ship he read the New Testament through three times, so 
eager was he to know the purposes of God in his life. In 
about two years he was elected deacon, and magnified the 
office so richly that in nine months the church called him 
to the ministry. In this capacity he gave forty-two years 
of faithful, untiring effort. Though he was not scholarly 
he knew the Book, and his labors from the pulpit were so 
strongly supported by his life and work among his members 
and friends that his power was unusual, even if unostenta- 
tious. Many, many came to Christ under his ministry; many 
were glad to have him perform their marriage ceremony, 
and likewise speak words of comfort in their hours of be- 
reavement. In 1866 he was ordained and given the over- 
sight of the Mill Creek congregation, which place he filled 
with commendable efficiency in tact, power, and spirit for 
thirty-two years. But this was only part of his labors. 
During the later years of his life he gave over half his 
time, without financial compensation, to the church, "often 
going on horseback across the Alleghanies westward or 
across the Blue Ridge eastward to tell the good news of 
salvation in needy parts of Virginia. For upwards of thirty 
years he had much to do with all the business of the Second 
Virginia District, served on many important committees, 
and rendered valuable service to the churches in every way. 

No more fitting characterization can be added than the 
words written soon after his death by Bishop H. C. Early 
and published in the Gospel Messenger, April 16, 1895, 
page 253: 

" In many respects Brother Long was a remarkable man. 
Gifted as a son of nature, with strong body, prepossessing 
appearance, finely-developed mind, with persistent effort, 
his words carried a peculiar force. As a leader he was per- 
haps most powerful. He was a born leader. In all circles 
in which he moved he was found in front. His power as a 
leader is to be explained in his tremendous ability to gain 



ISAAC LONG 109 

confidence and hold it. In this respect he had few equals. 
And those who knew him best were those whose confidence 
he held most securely. Men were led and controlled by him 
because they wanted to be, for they felt that their interests 
were safe in his hands. In spirit he was unpretentious, in 
manner, kind, approachable, affable. 

"As a preacher and counselor he ranked among the first 
of his day. At one time he was considered one of the 
ablest, if not the ablest, preachers among our people in Vir- 
ginia. His preaching displayed strong feelings, sound judg- 
ment and a high order of spiritual life. He was regarded 
both as an expounder and exhorter, and was peculiarly ef- 
fective in exhortation. Men of all classes, — the high and the 
low, the learned and the unlearned, the white and the black, 
— all hung upon his words as if by enchantment, while no 
preaching had less of the theatrical than his. He held an 
assembly in a * spell.* He was always clear, easy to under- 
stand, never ventured beyond his depth. He dealt with 
large thoughts and difficult questions, it is true, but did it 
in a simple way, and never attempted to tell more about a 
question than he knew. He was largely illustrative, and 
his illustrations well chosen and aptly put. 

"As a man of conviction he was strong. His deep con- 
viction of duty and conscientiousness moulded his life and 
made his a very decided but rounded-out character, and 
made him a man of position and courage, with considerable 
executive ability. Charitable to weaknesses and respectful 
to the opinions of others, he always showed his colors. He 
regarded not the wooings of favor nor the grounds of fear. 
It was duty first and last. His motto was to do what he 
believed to be right, trusting God for results." 

His body lies peacefully beside his wife, who preceded him 
about five years, in the Mill Creek cemetery. 

Information for this ketch by a grandson, Isaac S. Long, 
of India. 



no 



SOME WHO LED 




JACOB S. SNYDER 

December 14, 1819— April 15, 1909. 

Born in Fayette County, Pa. Little is known of his par- 
entage. His father was a merchant, conducting a depart- 
ment store, a man of splendid business qualities and good 
standing in the community. Under this training Jacob re- 
ceived those lessons of frugality, faithfulness to trust and 
care in business that made his life such a marked success as 
a man of affairs. His education was limited, but native abil- 
ity readily responded to his endeavors and he became a lead- 
er in the community. 

He remained under the parental roof until May 2, 1844, 



JACOB S. SNYDER HI 

when he married Anna Secrist. By this union one daughter 
and two sons were born, but none survived him. His wife 
dying Feb. 18, 1859, on Oct. 7, 1860, he married Maria 
Connell, and to them were born one son and two daughters. 
The second wife dying June 13, 1895, he married Mary Jane 
Childs, who also died before him. But one daughter, Mrs. 
Annie C. Coleman, survived him. 

Brother Snyder was very successful in business, and the 
secret of it lay in his ability to master details while still 
grasping and directing the entire undertaking before him. 
He would have been successful had very large business in- 
terests fallen into his hands to direct. Whatever he did he 
did with his might, and he must succeed or know why. 

In 1845 he and his wife joined the Church of the Brethren; 
and for a layman he was as active as was expected of one 
in those days. On May 24, 1862, he was called to the min- 
istry. This opened a new field for diligence, and though 
feeling he was not gifted for the place he set out to do the 
best he could and gained for himself no small reputation as 
an able, faithful minister of the Gospel. In 1867 he moved 
to Iowa, locating near Brooklyn. This was a field of 
large opportunities, and Brother Snyder threw his best ef- 
forts into church work. Sunday-school must be pushed, the 
church must be developed, souls must be saved and nurtured 
in Christ Jesus. In 1872 he was ordained bishop and given 
the oversight of the congregation in which he lived. In this 
widest possible field he labored earnestly for the glory of 
God. No loud pretensions, but words simply and fitly spok- 
en fell from his lips, as in public or private life he did what 
he could for the Master. He was Writing Clerk of Middle 
Iowa District for seventeen years and its Treasurer for 
twenty years. He also served as Moderator and a number 
of times represented his District at Annual Meeting. 

Loyal to the Word and faithful in church discipline, yet 
he had a way of speaking the kind word at the right time, 
inspiring the young and directing the old, that proved him 
well fitted for his high calling. Few men were more whole- 
souled in service than he; few were more willing to make 
their convictions secondary to the majority. If wrong he 



112 SOME WHO LED 

made it right in that whole-hearted way that always secured 
for him a still larger circle of friends. If he believed he was 
right, opposition had little effect on him. On he would 
press, knowing that right finally prevciils. Business was 
business with him; but he worked at his religion, too, in a 
businesslike manner. The Middle District of Iowa Old 
Folks* Home is in part a monument of his special thought, 
prayer and liberality. Other institutions, like the General 
Mission Board and our educational institutions, received a 
portion of his large-heartedness. 

The District in which he lived appreciated his labors, for 
in the history which was prepared by order of the Annual 
Meeting the following was caused to be published: "In be- 
half of the District of Iowa, the committee wishes hereby 
to record the fact and express the gratitude of the District 
to Eld. J. S. Snyder, of Brooklyn, Iowa, by whose faithful- 
ness this publication is made possible." 

Brother Snyder had an abiding interest and tender con- 
sideration for the young. He took up their problems and 
helped them solve them. He urged them to be careful of 
the company they kept. He exhorted them to select care- 
fully their life companions, settling first church relationship 
and after that marriage. He even urged the young sisters to 
avoid the young man who was a member of a secret society, 
unless he quit it. Thus would he enter in his fatherly way 
into the very heart and life of those about him and help 
them to live better and do better. 

His last years were spent in retirement at Pasadena, Cal., 
where, after a brief illness from pneumonia, he passed away 
and was buried in the Brooklyn (Iowa) cemetery in the 
midst of the scenes where he had labored longest. 

Information for this sketch supplied by Bishop John Zuck, 
Clarence, Iowa. 



HENRY GARST 



113 




HENRY GARST 

Jan. 14, 1820— Dec. 27, 1898. 

Among the leaders who labored faithfully for the Master's 
cause in the South Elder Henry Garst was among the 
foremost of his colaborers. He was born near Salem, Va. 
His father, Frederick Garst, moved with his family to In- 
diana, in 1835, and located near Logansport, that State. Two 
years later another move was made, and this took the Garst 
family to Tennessee, where they located near what is now 
known as Limestone, a station on the Southern Railway, 
and in the territory of the Limestone church. 

Brother Henry Garst was united in marriage to Mary 



114 • SOME WHO LED 

Bowman Nov. 23, 1841. Five children blessed this union, 
four of whom are still living. Soon after their marriage 
the young couple united with the Church of the Brethren, 
for which they lived and labored until the Lord took them. 
He was elected to the deacon's office in 1845 at the Knob 
Creek church, and filled the office faithfully until he was 
called to the ministry in 1859. Prior to this he moved to 
Sullivan County, Tenn., and located on a farm a few miles 
from Blountville. 

About 1861 he v/as ordained an elder. This position he 
filled faithfully all through the rest of his life. He believed 
in pastoral visit long before the Conference made it obliga- 
tory for elders and ministers to visit the members. He made 
regular monthly visits to all the organized churches in the 
District, and during the Civil War he devoted his entire 
time to the ministry, visiting the entire membership of the 
State District, which then comprised North Carolina, Tennes- 
see, and parts of Virginia and Kentucky. After his ordina- 
tion and during the active years of his life he was called 
upon to assist in the consideration of all important matters 
coming before the church for settlement. He assisted in the 
ordination of every elder in the State District during his 
active labors in the eldership. 

Elder Garst was a born leader, and eternity alone will re- 
veal the good his labors have been and still are to the ad- 
vancement of the cause of Christ in the "Great Southland." 
He was cotemporary with Elder Joseph Wine, both serv- 
ing at the same time as elders in the Pleasant Hill congre- 
gation from 1866 until the close of his life. Many visits 
these two brethren made to the churches and membership 
across the mountains into the adjoining States. He repre- 
sented the State District twice on the Standing Committee. 

When Brother James R. Gish came to Tennessee, in 1865, 
in the interest of the church and the John Bowmanites, 
Brother Garst labored zealously to effect a union, and the 
result was that Brother Gish carried with him to the Annual 
Conference a petition asking that a committee be appointed 
to effect, if possible, an agreement for union. The commit- 



HENRY GARST 115 

tee was granted, the difficulty was harmoniously settled, and 
a union effected. 

Brother Henry was among the ablest doctrinal preachers 
of his time. He made full proof of his ministry, and during 
the fearful and devasting years of the Civil War he ably and 
faithfully defended the church on all important questions. 
His life and example should inspire us all to greater efforts 
in the Master's cause. 

In his later years he was a great sufferer from rheumatism. 
He bore his sufferings patiently until he was called to his 
eternal rest. We have every reason to believe that his soul 
was borne on "angel wings to the glory world." May we 
be imitators of him so far as he followed Christ. 

Samuel H. Garst, Blountville, Tenn. 

The Instinct for Souls. 

"*He that winneth souls is wise;* and said the apostle, 
*We persuade men.* . . . What a noble ambition it is, 
to obtain a purchase over men's minds and affections, for the 
purpose of elevating their character, of enlarging their un- 
derstanding, and of soothing their griefs and irritations; of 
making temporal the way and path to things eternal, and 
things SEEN the glasses and windows through which they 
obtain a vision of the things UNSEEN; to carry them out 
and forth from a life of sense to a life of faith; to win them 
from the love of the world to the love of Christ; — surely this 
is the vocation of the preacher, and this may not inaptly be 
described as the instinct of souls; an instinct perhaps not very 
prevalent just now, perhaps only faintly realized, but an in- 
stinct which has wrought in some men, and in some ages, like 
a passion of Jesus, the passion of Paul, and which has been 
the passion of many of the more wonderful of the humble, 
obscure men, who lived and died, and made no sign which 
the great world regarded; but who, nevertheless, felt that 
wonderful instinct, the instinct for souls." — Hood in "Voca- 
tion of the Preacher." 



116 



SOME WHO LED 




DAVID LONG 

January 29, 1820— January 23, 1897. 

Born near Hagerstown, Washington County, Md., son of 
Joseph and Nancy Rowland Long. His grandfather, Isaac 
Long, was one of three brothers who came from Germany, 
Isaac locating in the vicinity of where David was born. 
David's education, for the want of opportunity for something 
better and the need of his labor on the farm when the weath- 
er would permit, was very limited. But he thirsted for 
knowledge, secured a dictionary, noted words used by others 
and studied their meaning, and in this way learned to ex- 
press his thoughts with clearness. 



DAVID LONG 117 

In 1841 he was married to Mary Reichard, and by this 
union six sons and six daughters were born. Four of the 
sons and three of the sons-in-law were ministers in the 
Church of the Brethren. 

Joseph Long, in the prime of his life, was a well-to-do 
man, and when David wished to begin for himself gave him 
$3,000, expecting to do the same with the other children 
when they reached their majority. But reverses came and 
he died insolvent. David was much distressed over his fa- 
ther's losses, and in love for his brothers and sisters volun- 
tarily distributed his $3,000 equally with them. His large- 
heartedness was shown at another time when he went to a 
sale of slaves in the neighborhood and set all free that he 
purchased. During the Civil War his home was in the path 
of both the Northern and Southern Armies. At one time 
his yard was full of soldiers in blue, and shortly after sol- 
diers in grey. Often members of the Brethren fleeing from 
before the advance of an army took refuge in his home, and 
several times David himself had to go into hiding to avoid 
being pressed into army service. During these troublesome 
times he lost much property. 

In 1843 he united with the Church of the Brethren. Soon 
after he was elected deacon. His parents were devout 
Christians, and David threw his heart into the service he 
loved so much. He became a close student and rarely sat 
down to rest that he did not take up a book to read. When 
thirty years old he was called to the ministry, and at about 
fifty ordained bishop. He was given the oversight of the 
Manor congregation soon after his ordination and continued 
its bishop until his death. Not only did his work in the 
ministry have a large influence, but perhaps not another min- 
ister in easy reach was called upon to solemnize more mar- 
riages and preach more funerals. His influence was marked 
in his own State District. He assisted in organizing a num- 
ber of congregations and dedicated many churchhouses. As 
Moderator of District Meetings, as adviser in the intricate 
problems that confronted the church, none was better than 
he and none more sought after. He was chairman of the 
Committee of Arrangements for Annual Conference of 1890, 



118 SOME WHO LED 

and an important factor in its success. Repeatedly he was 
sent to represent his District on Standing Committee at 
General Conference. Here his good judgment again was 
noted and used. On important church committees he was 
often called to serve. He was colaborer on committee work 
with such leaders as D. P. Sayler, Ephraim Stoner, D. F. 
Stauffer, B. F. Moomaw and R. H. Miller. 

Brother D. F. Stauffer wrote thus of him after his death: 
" He endeared himself to all he met because of his strict 
adherence to that which he knew was right. He possessed 
sound judgment but used it in a very humble manner." 

Brother Long in the pulpit had a power peculiarly his 
own. A close student of facts, a careful observer of every- 
day affairs, understanding human nature intuitively, he pre- 
sented his messages in what seemed a very ordinary manner 
and yet the hearer was conscious of great power. The pul- 
pit was indeed the wall on which he stood between God and 
his congregation, and he sought to warn men everywhere 
and at all times to flee the danger they were in. In this high 
ideal he had no use for any form of levity when before his 
audience. He even felt it wrong to create laughter at such a 
time. 

As a bishop in the church, while greatly loved, he endured 
much unjust censure because he was straightforward in deal- 
ing with every one and everything. He called sin by its true 
name and every kind of it was rebuked so directly that it 
often hurt. He was no compromise at any time. With all 
this, none was more gentle to the penitent and more ready 
to give and take counsel than he. 

La Grippe took hold of him in the winter of 1897, and before 
his friends really were aware he had gone to meet his Lord 
whom he had loved so fervently and served so faithfully. In 
the Manor cemetery, to which place he so often had led oth- 
ers in the sad hour of bereavement, gentle hands laid his 
body to rest. 

Information for this sketch supplied by his son. Bishop J. 
A. Long, York, Pa. 



MADISON M. BOWMAN 119 



MADISON M. BOWMAN 

March 19, 1820— June 19, 1862. 

Elder Madison M. Bowman first saw the light on the noted 
waters of Boone Creek, Washington County, Tenn., in the 
vicinity of the famous " Boone tree," where Daniel Boone 
" killed a bar " before civilization shed any light on these 
lovely valleys and hills, and in the same section where the 
first settlers erected Bean's cabin. 

Brother Bowman's father settled upon one of the most fer- 
tile and lovely portions of that section, and reared a large 
and influential family who were early trained around the 
family hearthstone, that "the fear of the Lord is the be- 
ginning of wisdom." And as one by one they v/ent from the 
parental roof, they set to their seal that they were servants 
of the Great King and knew where to find the mercy seat. 
At about the age of nineteen he was called to the ministry 
by the church of his choice. He married Isabell Campbell, a 
member of an influential family of his neighborhood, with 
whom he lived happily until the Lord said "It is enough; 
come up higher." 

Brother Bowman was a miller by trade and erected on the 
Holston River in Sullivan County, Tenn., one of the most 
noted flouring and sawmills in the county at that date, com- 
pletely revolutionizing milling as then practiced. Me intro- 
duced cast-iron water wheels, known then as central dis- 
charge, or turbine wheels. They were only three and a half 
feet in circumference, and those same wheels are yet doing 
as good service as ever even though Mr. Sanders, his son-in- 
law, has added the roller or patent process. 

Father Bowman fell asleep while the reapers of his grain 
were bathed in the sweat of harvesting; the summons came 
to them that another harvest was being gathered, and soon 
the weary wheels of life stood still. 



120 SOME WHO LED 

Elder Bowman was endowed with superior natural ability, 
a man of fine appearance in the sacred desk, a good reason- 
er, easy declaimer, forceful and ready, a great historian, both 
ancient and modern, a fearless defender of the doctrines of 
the church of his choice, yet he was a broad-minded minis- 
ter of the Gospel. Not infrequently he was called to assist 
other ministers in his neighborhood in their protracted meet- 
ings, and his efforts were a high order of preaching, with 
much and lasting good as the result. The writer remembers 
Father Bowman called to preach at a popular hour at Bond's 
Camp Ground where the hosts of Methodism at that day 
made their annual meeting. The text was, " In my father's 
house are many mansions." The sermon made a very pro- 
found impression for good. Many warm words were given 
him on that occasion. 

We believe the world to be better by our dear ones hav- 
ing lived and acted well their part. His going away in the 
zenith of his " sun " gives to all an earnest of the uncertain 
tenure here. — W. F. Yoakley. 



ABRAHAM HARLEY CASSEL 



121 




ABRAHAM HARLEY CASSEL 

September 21, 1820— April 23, 1908. 

Born on his father's farm in Montgomery County, Pa. He 
was eldest son of Yelles and Polly Harley Cassel. His moth- 
er was a granddaughter of Christopher Sower and Peter 
Becker, the latter being the first bishop of the Church of the 
Brethren in America. Abraham's parents were illiterate 
Pennsylvania Germans. His father thought it a sin to ac- 
quire any learning, and sought to stamp out such a desire 
in his children. He succeeded in all but Abraham. With 
such obstacles even early in life his inquiring mind pressed 
forward, anyhow. His sister taught him to spell; with a 



122 SOME WHO LED 

small picture book he learned to read; his Uncle George 
showed him how to shape a feather for a pen so that he 
might write. He was permitted to have but six weeks* 
schooling during his youth; yet his success as a historian 
was such that culture and learning in both Europe and 
America sought his home to gather knowledge to be found 
nowhere else. 

When twenty he began to teach school, and made it a 
success. On April 1, 1843, he was married to Elizabeth 
Rhodes, and eight children blessed their home. 

But interest settles around his wonderful library. The 
great banks of books, — books everywhere, — was a surprise to 
every one who visited his home. From childhood he had 
been saving all the books, pamphlets and papers he could 
secure and placed them methodically in his library. When 
finances were meager in the early part of his life he and his 
wife would save everywhere else, but it was not uncommon 
for them to pay one hundred dollars for a rare volume. Thus 
it was that almanacs as far back as 1714, and running through 
the years, — over a thousand different copies, — colonial rec- 
ords, early newspapers, pamphlets, and rare and valuable 
Bibles found their way into his library. His collection of 
titles on Sunday-school literature for Europe and America 
numbered 50,000. He had a copy of the small book published 
by Johann Werner in 1546, intended for use in Sunday-school 
nearly two and one-half centuries before Raikes* work be- 
gan. Complete editions of Franklin, Saur, Ephrata and 
other yearly publications; a hundred English grammars old- 
er than Lindley Murray, — all these were among the rare 
features of his wonderful library. 

Hither men of letters came from every part of the world 
in quest of information not to be found anywhere else. 
Professors, students, authors, editors, men of title and 
wealth, spent hours or days in his library. Here Whittier, 
a personal friend, gathered the material for the poem, " The 
Pennsylvania Pilgrim.'* Governors with literary tastes, and 
many others, were glad to have Brother Cassel on their list 
of friends. He was a most honored member of the Pennsyl- 
vania Historical Society. Of him it was published: "No 



ABRAHAM HARLEY CASSEL 123 

literary interest or scholastic institution in our region is as 
widely known as Cassel's library. No man in literature or 
antiquities is so much sought by strangers as its owner. The 
work accomplished by him is the chief glory of our section 
and commonwealth. He is one of our greatest men. He is 
self-taught; the pleasures yielded him by his books are to 
him a perennial joy, which he delights to share with his 
friends and visitors. His broad, altruistic spirit, seeming to 
enlarge with advancing years, charms all who come within 
its influence." 

To the Church of the Brethren Brother Cassel rendered 
an untold service that will simply increase in value as her 
future generations come and go. Had it not been for his un- 
tiring, self-sacrificing efforts in searching and preserving 
scanty records in those early days, when men were too busy 
doing really great things to keep record, today she would 
know little of her origin, early struggles, and the men who 
builded better than they knew. Ignorance would be bolder 
and formalism would be sterner were it not that Brother 
Cassel snatched from oblivion the record of founders of the 
church, broad in culture, learned men, men who influenced 
rulers, men who sought vital Christianity; not in forms but 
in that heavenly spirit of which the form was but an earthly 
expression. The possibilities of church history, national his- 
tory, and for that matter diversified lines of historical events, 
came through him. 

Juniata College, at Huntingdon, Pa., was entrusted with 
this rare treasure. A few years ago the institution built a 
splendid library building, with the express purpose of pre- 
serving for the church of the future valuable records, and 
into its fireproof alcoves this famous library has been placed. 

Brother Cassel lost his eyesight in his closing years, but 
his fine Christian spirit was not disturbed by so great a mis- 
fortune. In him was the same devotion which he admired so 
much in the lines of Alexander Mack: 

"Now unto Jesus I will go. 

Who died for me as mortals die; 
And found for me, through pain and woe, 



124 SOME WHO LED 

A place, a refuge in the sky. 
He has for me a better house 
In store prepared, above the clouds." 

In his day he was a leader of the leaders of the church. 
Especially on points of doctrine was his evidence usually 
final. And when the end did come they laid him gently to 
rest in the Kleins burying ground, a family cemetery, where 
he rests among his kindred and friends. 

Information for this sketch by Mrs. Elizabeth Rosen- 
berger, Covington, Ohio. 

An Acrostic. 

"Alone he started at the break of day. 
Before the stars had set, and ere the sun 
Rose o'er the hill-tops, to make plain the way 
And, wearied oft, he stopped and asked each one, 

'Had aught been heard of where his treasure lay?' 
At which the heedless, laughing, answered, *Nay'; 
Men, sordid, said, * 'Twere better to have done 
His search wherein no profit could be won. 
Cheered by fond memories of men long dead, 
At last, in garrets where the spiders wove. 
Secure he found the 'Christoph Saur,* he sought. 
So, while the twilight gathers 'round his head. 
Each hour more precious grows his treasure trove, 
Like joys by some hard self-denial bought." 

By Mr. Pennypacker in "Perkiomen Region." 



SAMUEL A. FIKE 



125 




SAMUEL A. FIKE 

December 22, 1820— May 7, 1905. 

Born in Fayette County, Pa. One must go back five gen- 
erations to find that this family of Fikes came from Han- 
over, Germany, and there it is learned that the great-grand- 
father was a weaver by trade. The grandfather, through the 
holy example of his faithful wife, joined the Church of the 
Brethren. Peter, the father of Samuel, was the youngest 
of five sons. He gave his entire life to the service of the 
Master in the Brethren church. He married Magdalena Ar- 
nold, of Burlington, W. Va. God blessed their home with 
four sons and six daughters. The family is strikingly unique 



126 SOME WHO LED 

in that three of the sons were ministers and the fourth a 
deacon. In fact, from this marriage alone has proceeded, 
thus far, twenty ministers. 

Samuel was the eldest son and the second child. He 
availed himself of what country school advantages were 
afforded him in the county where he lived, and grew to man- 
hood on the farm. When twenty-three years old he was 
married to Rachael Snyder. The following October he unit- 
ed with the Church of the Brethren and a few weeks later 
was called to the deacon's office. In 1854 Samuel and his 
family moved to Eglon, W. Va., and with his father, who 
had preceded him a few months, became pioneer settlers and 
first workers of the church in those parts. In 1856 Brother 
John Kline made a visit to this settlement, held an election 
for minister, and the lot fell upon Samuel. In 1861 he was 
ordained and placed in charge of the congregation, now 
called the German Settlement, and retained the oversight 
until his death — forty-four years of faithful service for the 
Master. In this time he preached 263 funerals, solemnized 
184 marriages, and baptized 207 applicants for membership. 
He served twice on the Standing Committee of General 
Conference. He was permitted to assist in the organization 
of many congregations through West Virginia; for his soul 
would become stirred as he heard the loud calls for the 
Bread of Life, and astride his faithful horse he would go 
forth in long journeys, preaching a few sermons here and 
there as the opportunity afforded and the Lord gave him 
utterance. The attachment between Samuel and his horse, 
" Bill," seemed very great. On one occasion while Samuel 
was preaching Bill became untied and started for home. Ap- 
parently missing his master he returned and met him. 

Samuel's fatherly disposition well fitted him for the office 
of "bishop and shepherd of souls," and he usually had the 
care of three or four congregations. From 1865 to the time 
of his death he was glad to have his younger brother, Aaron 
Fike, join him in looking after the interests of the home 
congregation. Grown people learned to love him and looked 
for his coming; but he was a favorite among the children. 
He was able to be a child in conversation with the chil- 



SAMUEL A. FIKE 127 

dren, and thus he held them by a cord that never broke. 

By his first wife he had twelve children. Jonas, Tobias, 
and John are bishops, while Levi and Peter are deacons. 

Brother Fike was given a strong physique and could stand 
hardness as few men can. He tired little in the long rides 
and lonely journeys through the wilds of West Virginia. 
His mind was vigorous and his delivery remarkably demon- 
strative. With no thought of offense, but rather to be more 
comfortable and better able to present the Word with all 
the power within him, he would, while preaching, pull off his 
coat and vest and lay them on the table before him. Forget- 
ting that his watch was in the vest pocket before him on 
one occasion he brought his fist down so hard on the time- 
piece that he destroyed it. His brethren called him the " son 
of thunder," so fearless and so earnest was he. 

Brother Fike's labors were largely frontier work, and Dis- 
trict Meetings, when held, lacked that formality that later 
they took. The brethren would meet, talk matters over, 
reach a conclusion, and that was all there was to it. There 
were no officers, no records. Each one moderated himself. 

But the beginning of his ministry was not thus. He lived 
in a time when ministers depended upon the Spirit to move 
them and fill them. His first text was Luke 1: 6. He spoke 
a- few moments and sat down and began to weep. Some 
were disposed to criticise the effort of the young minister, 
but the Lord gave him courage and the failure was the be- 
ginning of a success that every one rejoiced in later in life. 
While he was blessed with some earthly possessions, he held 
them as though they were not his own. His life was really 
absorbed in another kingdom and for a brighter glory than 
earth could give. His manner of living was simple, his tem- 
per so even that his children say they never saw him angry, 
his influence the noblest, and the large congregation of be- 
lievers that gathered around him and came under his spir- 
itual care is the best monument that could be erected for 
our brother. His body rests in the Maple Spring ceme- 
tery. 

Information for this sketch supplied by Bishop Emra T. 
Fike, of Eglon, W. Va. 



128 SOME WHO LED 



DANIEL THOMAS 

June 20, 1821— October 10, 1868. 

Elder Daniel Thomas was born near Harrisonburg, Va., 
where he spent his earlier life in farm work with his father 
and in getting an education such as the common schools of 
his day afforded. Judging from his intellectual attainments 
he must have made the best possible use of his school-days. 
But his active, vigorous mind was not satisfied with the 
meager educational advantages afforded and he eagerly 
sought and appropriated the information to be gained by 
reading. He was a great reader and readily assimilated and 
used to the best advantage the information gained. 

His father's name was John Thomas. He was married to 
Susanah Miller, and to them were born six children. Jacob, 
the second son, is well known throughout ihe Valley of Vir- 
ginia, and John, the youngest, moved to the South English 
church in Iowa. Like his brother he was a minister of abil- 
ity and spent much of his time in the work of the Master. 

September 28, 1843, Brother Thomas married Elizabeth 
Bowman, and a year later they united with the Church 
of the Brethren. Eight children were born to them, seven 
of whom survived the father. The aged mother is still living 
with her son Daniel at Bridgewater, Va., and is approaching 
fourscore and ten years. Feeling deeply the loss of a noble 
father, taken away in his greatest usefulness, the children 
rejoice in the wise counsel and saintly advice of this mother 
in Israel. 

Soon after they were married the young couple moved to 
Beaver Creek, Va., where they made their home. Here they 
heard the call to give their hearts to the Lord and were bap- 
tized in the stream in which, afterward, many were buried 
in baptism and arose from the watery grave to walk in new- 



DANIEL THOMAS 129 

ness of life, influenced to take the important step, through 
the preaching of Brother Thomas. 

Thomas is a name traced to Welsh ancestry, but affiliation 
and marriage have identified this part of the family with the 
German element and it is so regarded. 

He was called to the deacon's office about 1847, and to the 
ministry in 1850, and ordained to the bishopric Dec. 5, 1862. 
His life in the ministry was an active one. No duty seemed 
too great. The mission fields of the Virginias bear evidence 
of his earnest work and untiring zeal. His simple life and hum- 
ble spirit, with his wonderful grasp of the Scriptures and his 
delivery of the message, won those who at the first doubted 
his ability, and all went from his meetings deeply impressed 
and meditating upon what they had heard. He was a man 
" mighty in word and doctrine.'* He was kind-hearted and 
genial and usually had a smile on his countenance. It was 
his rule to close his arguments with an earnest exhortation. 
Thus every sermon he preached was an invitation to sinners 
to turn to Christ. 

One of the interesting incidents of his ministry was his 
controversy with Rev. Isaac Soule, a minister of the Metho- 
dist church, on baptism. They discussed the subject on al- 
ternate dates, on Sunday, several weeks apart. This contin- 
ued for some time. After the discussion had proceeded for 
a while. Elder Thomas, in presenting his argument on the 
subject, referred to John Wesley's position. This statement 
Mr. Soule denied and said that it could not be proven. When 
the time came for Elder Thomas to make good the assertion 
previously made, he had the proof in the volume of Wesley's 
Journal, a copy of which he had procured. It is interesting 
to note that Mr. Soule was not present to hear it, but report 
has it that he sent another to take notes of what was said. 
(The matter referred to is under date of May 5, 1736, page 
24 of the Journal.) This of course ended the discussion. 

Brother Thomas' work was not confined to his home field. 
He traveled in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and even penetrated 
Ohio on horseback. Elder John Kline being his traveling 
companion on several occasions. He served on the Standing 



130 SOME WHO LED 

Committee three times consecutively and was a wise counsel- 
lor. 

In all his work he enjoyed the hearty cooperation and help 
of his faithful wife. She was in the fullest sense of the word 
a helpmeet to him. She never complained, but bore cheer- 
fully the burdens of the home life while the husband was 
preaching the Gospel of Truth. 

In the prime of his life he was taken away — just when he 
was the most needed by the church and his family. So it 
seems to us from our human standpoint. He was ill but a 
short time. With Elder Jacob Thomas he was to go on a 
preaching tour. When time for starting came he was unable 
to go, but urged his brother to go on the mission. Before 
the latter's return Daniel had passed into eternity, and Jacob 
returned to find his brother laid at rest in the tomb. He 
lived the life of a righteous man and a faithful worker for 
the Lord, and when the call came it found him ready to die 
" the death of the righteous." 

Information for this sketch furnished by Elder Daniel 
Hays, Broadway, Va. 

Hopefully Waiting for Father's Explanation. 

" It is for us, in reverent submission, to say, * Even so, 
Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight,' and to wait for 
the reason of the stroke, until the time when from the mouth 
of every sepulcher the great stone shall be rolled away. 
. . . Yet nature will have its way, and all the human with- 
in us groans in spirit, as beside the cave in Bethany the Di- 
vine-human groaned before us — 

" *So good, so kind, and he is gone,* 
" 'Vale, vale in aeternum vale ! ' 

Nay, thanks be to God, the * in aeternum ' is erased from our 
farewells by the glad hope of the Gospel. Brothers in the 
same faith, and holding fast the beginning of our confidence, 
we shall meet again." — W. Morley Punshon. 



JOHN WISE 



131 




JOHN WISE 

May 18, 1822— June 26, 1909. 

Born in Washington County, Pa. He was the youngest 
son of a large family, whose grandfather came from 
Schwarzenau, Germany. His parents were godly people and 
reared their children in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord. On his mother's side the grandparents also were 
members of the Brethren church. John made use of the 
opportunities afforded him for an education, and at seven- 
teen was teaching public school. During his life he taught 
thirty-two times, showing clearly that he was a successful 
teacher. He had a remarkable memory and it served him 



132 SOME WHO LED 

to the last. Even in his old days he could rise before an au- 
dince and read a chapter from the Bible without the Book. 

On Feb. 27, 1847, he was united in marriage to Nancy 
Grable, who was his companion and fellow-helper for fifty- 
three years of life's journey. To them were born six sons 
and four daughters. In December, 1867, the family moved 
to Iowa, and later to Conway Springs, Kans., where Broth- 
er Wise spent the most of his days. Aside from school- 
teaching he engaged in farming, but devoted so much of his 
time to church work that he did not make a success of farm- 
ing and died a poor man. 

But few were richer in good works than Brother Wise. 
When but twenty, and living in the Ten Mile congregation 
of western Pennsylvania, he united with the church. He 
was the first single member in that congregation. Brother 
James Quinter had the care of the membership and at this 
time a great revival was on. There were over fifty acces- 
sions to the church. Among the number was Brother Wise's 
sister. All through life Brother Wise was an aggressive 
man, and the day he was baptized he began that forward 
march in the work of the kingdom; for he was no sooner 
out of the water than he sought others to follow Christ as 
he had done. October 18, 1843, he was called to the minis- 
try. He showed himself a workman who knew how to 
handle the sword of the Spirit; he was faithful in dividing 
the Word and sent it home to his hearers with profound ef- 
fect. Eleven years to the day afterwards he was ordained 
bishop and was permitted to serve the church well in that 
capacity for fifty-five years. His labors were not confined 
to the congregations in which he lived and where he was 
honored by those around him, but were Brotherhood-wide. 
He attended his first Annual Meeting in York County, Pa., 
in 1844, after riding on horseback 220 miles across the Alle- 
ghanies to be present. Then, sixty-four years after, at Des 
Moines, Iowa, in 1908, he attended his last Conference. In 
the meantime he attended forty General Conferences, repre- 
sented his District twenty-seven times on Standing Commit- 
tee, served as Moderator in 1885, and fifteen times as Read- 
ing Clerk. He was especially adapted to this latter position 



JOHN WISE 133 

because of his splendid voice, which could be heard perhaps 
farther than any of his brethren. In addition to this he was 
sent on much committee work, which was, a number of 
times, very important. He was on the committee to Ten- 
nessee, appointed in 1866, that considered the disowning of 
Bishop John A. Bowman and receiving all the members he 
had baptized, into the church without rebaptism. He, with 
Brother Ruple, in 1881 was sent to confer with the River 
Brethren in Canada about uniting these two bodies. He 
was on the committee to Berlin, Pa., when the H. R. Hol- 
singer difficulty was being dealt with. 

In many ways he was a leader of the leaders in the church. 
It was he who presented to Conference in 1858 the first re- 
quest to have a General Mission Board, so as to have a 
more united missionary effort. The paper was returned, 
but Brother Wise was not silent. He interested three con- 
gregations in his own District, and with Brother T. J. Brown 
he was sent out on an evangelistic tour. He originated the 
paper that granted Districts the right to hold ministerial 
meetings. He was a whole-souled Sunday-school man and 
pleaded for them when others were fearful. In 1886, when 
dedicating the churchhouse at Conway Springs, he said, "I 
do not want any of the members to SEND their children to 
Sunday-school. I want you to BRING them." 

In the pulpit he was especially gifted. He had a full, reso- 
nant voice, fine language and a good command of suitable 
words to express his thought with force. As a debater he 
was clear-cut and a strong man to oppose. He was not so 
much of a revivalist as an expounder of the truth. His fa- 
miliarity with the Book, and his close analysis, made him a 
splendid preacher of doctrine. 

A few years before the close of life he lost his eyesight. 
This cut him off from the world about him, but drew him 
nearer to his Master, whom he so dearly adored. He spent 
his winters in the Old Folks' Home at Darlow, Kans., and 
his summer months with his son at Conway Springs, Kans. 
His last days were his best because of his close fellowship 
with the Father, whom he loved so well. 

His body rests in God's acre at Conway Springs, Kans. 



134 



SOME WHO LED 




JOSEPH WINE 

Feb. 14, 1823— Nov. 3, 1903. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Shen- 
andoah County, Va., near Moore's Store. When the boy, 
Joseph, was fifteen years old his father. Christian Wine, 
moved to Washington County, Tenn., and located on Cedar 
Creek. The old home is still in a good state of preservation 
and is now occupied by a younger brother. Younger in life 
he chose as his occupation mechanical work which he fol- 
lowed with success while he lived. 

He was married to Susanah Krouse Aug. 27, 1846. At 
about the age of thirty he was brought under conviction, 



JOSEPH WINE 135 

accepted Christ as his Savior and united with the Church 
of the Brethren. In 1863 he was called to the ministry and 
one year later was ordained to the eldership. He filled his 
office faithfully and in a very acceptable manner while he 
lived. 

The hardships and privations he encountered, as bishop 
of the Pleasant Hill congregation during the Civil War, will 
be known only in the light of eternity's revelation. In 
those terrible days many times did he leave his devoted com- 
panion and only daughter and go on foot through the lines 
of both armies, carrying the glad message of salvation to 
hungry and starving souls in Virginia, North Carolina and 
Tennessee. I remember hearing my grandfather say that 
the only thing ever given him for his labors was a sheepskin 
donated by the sheriff of Scott County, Va., to be used to 
ride upon on his long horseback tours. 

Brother Wine represented the State District on the Stand- 
ing Committee at Broadway, Va., in 1879. He was a clear 
thinker and hence was a clear, pointed speaker. Both saint 
and sinner received a portion in due season. He, with his 
colaborer, Henry Garst, was sent to Brummitts Creek, N. 
C, to settle a church trouble. After the difficulty was amica- 
bly and pleasantly adjusted a series of meetings was held by 
the two elders jointly, and the power of God came upon 
them. Forty accepted Christ and were received into church 
fellowship. What a blessing if all committee work were fol- 
lowed by such results in these days! 

The Lord blessed grandfather with health and strength 
all through life. When the call came to him, "It is enough, 
come up higher," he was ready and the closing of that day 
marked the closing of a life well spent. His body rests in 
the Pleasant Hill cemetery, from whence, among those 
beautiful oaks, in a hill overlooking the surounding country, 
it v/ill come forth on the glad resurrection day. 

Samuel H. Garst, Blountville, Tenn. 



136 



SOME WHO LED 




JACOB F. OLLER 

Jan. 15, 1825— Jan. 30, 1897. 

At the old home place, out on the farm, in the beautiful 
Cumberland Valley, not far from Waynesboro, Pa., was J. 
F. Oiler born. His parents were Germans, his father a Cath- 
olic, his mother of Brethren parentage. He early entered 
the public school, and in his teens was a schoolteacher at 
the same place. Next he became a clerk in a dry goods 
store, and soon partner — an energetic partner. 

The young Quincy storekeeper often asked his customers 
questions concerning religion, which they wondered at. 
But when one Sunday he requested baptism, all understood. 



JACOB F. OLLER 137 

All the days of his life he had been associated with members 
of the Church of the Brethren, as well as with people of his 
father's faith. There was no series of meetings. In the 
light of the Bible he decided his church affiliation. 

Not long after uniting with the church of his choice he at- 
tended a revival meeting in a neighbor church. Such meet- 
ings were often boisterous in those days. He was called 
upon to pray, and did so. This was rather the unusual, and 
resulted in a question at the next council meeting. Is a 
brother justified in taking part at a meeting which is not 
conducted in harmony with his convictions? That was the 
question, and the kindly way in which he received advice, his 
readiness to ask pardon of any who felt themselves ag- 
grieved, and yet frankly maintaining that it is fitting to pray 
anywhere, showed clearly a good spirit. Not long after that 
an election was held in the Antietam church, and Brother 
Oiler was called to the ministry. The incident from the hu- 
man side may have had much to do with the choice, but that 
the call was from God his after life clearly showed. 

From this day there began in him what was so remarkably 
developed in the lives of many Brethren the last century; 
that is, a double life of active service, a successful business 
and a successful ministry, the one running parallel with the 
other, and each giving the other that rest and change which 
is so essential to a strenuous life. 

Moving from Quincy to Waynesboro the sphere of his op- 
portunity was greatly increased. When the firm of Geiser, 
Price & Co. was established, in 1866, the four partners were 
Daniel Geiser, Jacob F. Oiler, Benjamin E. Price and Josiah 
Fahrney. They were all members of the Brethren church 
except the first. After a time the name was changed to the 
Geiser Manufacturing Company. J. F. Oiler was secretary 
and treasurer. In this position he developed a business ca- 
pacity that was a credit to himself, a joy to the church, and 
a matter of pride to the town. While he delighted in doing 
big business, neither he nor his company ever made a finan- 
cial obligation they could not meet. After some years he 
became president of the company, but presently resigned, 
that he might have more time for the church. His person- 



138 SOME WHO LED 

ality had much to do with the personality of the Geiser Com- 
pany. There was never a strike for higher wages. Of the 
800 employees most are Christians, many hold stock in the 
company, and many own the homes they live in. 

Greater than the business life was the religious life of our 
brother. Early in his long ministry of forty-one years and 
six months he had the unspeakable joy of baptizing his own 
mother. Most of his brothers and all the members of his 
own family he saw come into the fold. When in 1875 he 
started the Sunday-school in Waynesboro, some doubted, 
but he worked patiently till all were with him, and now it 
is one of the best Sunday-schools in Franklin County. In 
1876 the college in Huntingdon was established. Jacob F. 
Oiler and Daniel F. Stouffer were among the directors, the 
only ones who continued from the first to the time of their 
death. In 1891 the special Bible term was begun in Juniata 
College, and to this Brother Oiler, with an interested com- 
pany of Bible students, went annually. 

Following the death of Elder Jacob Price there was a dif- 
ference of opinion as to who should succeed him. Some 
were for one and some for another. When it became appar- 
ent that a majority favored Brother Oiler, he insisted that 
Brother D. P. Sayler be acting elder, lest any unfortunate 
feeling arise. After three years, at Brother Sayler's request, 
Brother Oiler was made the elder of the congregation. From 
that day he was familiarly called Bishop Oiler. He was al- 
ways liberal towards the church, not only with respect to 
his time, but also in his money-gifts for her work. For edu- 
cation he gave liberally; to assist the poor he was always 
ready, and when a subscription paper was sent around pray- 
ing to begin mission work in India, his name was first on the 
list. He loved his church with his whole heart, and his home 
was open to all, with its daily family prayers. He was 
whole-hearted and tender-hearted, enthusiastic and optimis- 
tic, enjoying his belief that the world is growing better. 

He died in a Baltimore hospital. Burial day was cold and 
rainy, but the men stood for more than an hour in the rain 
and slush to do honor to the esteemed dead. 

W. B. Stover of India. 



ROBERT HENRY MILLER 



139 




ROBERT HENRY MILLER 

June 7, 1825— March 8, 1892. 

Among the talented leaders of the Church of the Brethren, 
during part of the last half of the nineteenth century, none 
held a higher place in the estimation of the people than 
Elder Robert H. Miller. His was a strong personality and 
he succeeded in impressing it upon those he came in contact 
with to the best possible advantage. His influence in the 
councils of the church was perhaps greater than that of any 
of his colaborers, and this was by no means local in its 
character. His work in the Annual Conference, his extend- 
ed preaching, his many debates in defence of the principles 



140 SOME WHO LED 

held by the church, his extensive committee activities and 
his editorial labors made him one of the best known and 
most highly respected men of his time. He was in the prime 
of his life and in the midst of his greatest activities when 
the unfortunate division came to the church. He took a 
prominent part for the church against every form of di- 
vision. 

An old saying has it, " Some men are born great while 
others have greatness thrust upon them," but the great mass 
of the human race suffers in neither direction. The common 
place is the common lot of humanity. The ten-talented men 
are rare in the world, so rare that when one is found he 
stands head and shoulders above his fellows and is placed in 
a class by himself. 

If Robert Henry Miller were not a ten-talented man he 
came as near the measure in ability as did any of his fellow 
laborers. He was born in Shelby County, Ky., of poor but 
honest, industrious parents. When Robert was seven years 
old the family moved to Indiana and settled at Ladoga, 
Montgomery County. Here he received his early school 
training in an old log schoolhouse. His early life was strong- 
ly marked by a quiet, thoughtful, studious disposition. He 
loved his books and made them his constant companions. 
Instead of spending his vacations, as did many of his as- 
sociates, in hunting, fishing and play he gave all his spare 
time to his books and studies. The habit of reading and 
making himself thoroughly acquainted with the subjects he 
investigated became a fixed characteristic of his life and 
made him one of the best-informed men of his time. 

After the log schoolhouse and the home study and train- 
ing he took a course at Waveland (Ind.) Academy. How 
long he remained in this institution of learning is not known, 
but he qualified himself to teach in the public schools. Later 
he studied law and became proficient in that line. He never 
practiced at the bar, but if he had followed that profession 
he would have been heard in the national councils and 
courts. He was in demand as a temperance and political 
speaker and achieved success in this calling. At nine- 
teen he became seriously concerned as to the condition 



ROBERT HENRY MILLER 141 

of his soul and the impressions then received doubtless re- 
mained with him until he united with the church of his 
choice. 

He was united in marriage with Sarah C. Harshbarger 
Nov. 9, 1846, and it was largely through the influence of this 
godly woman that Robert was led to examine the doctrines 
and principles of the church with which he afterwards unit- 
ed and to whose service he gave the best years of his life. 

A fondness for debating and discussing the topics of the 
day manifested itself very early in the life of Brother Miller. 
He accepted and improved every possible opportunity to 
study and make himself proficient in the polemic art, and 
such was his success that in later years he became one of the 
ablest debaters in the church. Many times he stood, against 
able men, in defense of the doctrines of the Gospel as held 
and practiced by the church of his choice. In debate he was 
courteous and kind, but quick in repartee. On one occasion 
an opponent said to him, " Brother Miller, you are such a 
strict constructionist of the Scriptures." Quick as a flash 
came the answer, " I had rather be a strict constructionist 
than a latitudinarian." 

In 1858, at the age of thirty-three, Robert united with the 
Church of the Brethren, and here his real life began. Six 
months later he was called to the ministry and at once en- 
tered upon the duties of his office. His advancement to the 
second degree of the ministry and his ordination to the 
bishopric followed in rapid succession, and in 1869 he served 
for the first time on the Standing Committee. Including his 
first service until his last, at Hagerstown, Md., in 1891, the 
year before his death, his name appears no fewer than thir- 
teen times as a member of this most important Committee. 
During these years of active, strenuous work for the church 
he served on nearly fifty important committees appointed by 
the Conference to consider questions of deep interest to the 
church and to assist in settling difficulties in local congrega- 
tions. At the Conference at Lanark, 111., in 1880, he was ap- 
pointed to serve on no fewer than nine different committees. 
He spent much of his time in this kind of work for a num- 
ber of years. For a score of years no man in the church had 



142 SOME WHO LED 

more to do with shaping its polity than Brother Miller. He 
served one term as Moderator and twice as Reading Clerk 
at Annual Conference, but his desire to take part in the dis- 
cussion of questions coming before the Conference led him 
to say that he was not well fitted to serve as Moderator. 

In 1881 Elder Miller was president of Ashland College 
and editor of the Gospel Preacher. Owing to the division 
in the church, Ashland College and the Gospel Preacher fell 
into the hands of the Progressive Brethren and Brother Mil- 
ler resigned. He said in his farewell address: "We came 
here to try to help the brethren direct the paper and the 
college in the interests of the church, and in harmony with 
its established usages; we have always avowed these senti- 
ments and labored for them. None can say that we have 
changed or withheld our views, but we have ever openly and 
honestly contended for the union and harmony of our Broth- 
erhood on the basis of the Gospel, to be applied and carried 
out by the General Councils of the church. Though we lose 
our position as editor, we cannot in this day of trial turn 
away in the least from Annual Conference, our leading breth- 
ren and the established usages they endorse." 

Teacher, preacher, debater, author, college president and 
farmer was this versatile man at different periods in his life, 
and in each of these callings he did his best. In 1876 ap- 
peared his first book, " The Doctrine of the Brethren De- 
fended." It is a strong defense of the doctrines and princi- 
ples held by the church and has led large numbers to a better 
understanding of the principles of the Gospel. For a third 
of a century it has been a standard book in the church. It 
enjoyed a large sale and a number of editions were printed 
and sold. The Miller and Somer debate was held in 1889, 
the last of his many discussions, and the only one published 
in book form. It had an extensive circulation, and several 
editions were published to meet the demand. 

March 26, 1880, Brother Miller met with the greatest sor- 
row of his life in the death of his loving, devoted and faithful 
wife. Only a short time previous the pale rider had sum- 
moned a beloved son and daughter to the unseen land, and 
now came this last blow to augment the sorrow of a strick- 



ROBERT HENRY MILLER 143 

en heart. In these trying hours he turned to God for com- 
fort and consolation and for strength to bear his burdens. 
Two years later he married Sister Emma Norris, of Mary- 
land, and she became a faithful helpmate to him in all his 
labors. 

For several years Robert's health had been impaired. In 
1892 he came to Mount Morris to hold meetings, and there he 
preached his last sermon. He was stricken down, and in 
the home of Elder J. G. Royer he suffered for several weeks. 
His faithful wife hurried to his side. All that human skill 
and love could do proved of no avail. He died as he lived, 
the death of the righteous. One who was at his bedside 
during his triumphant death gives this touching account: 

"In the sick chamber lay our dear brother, the sands of his 
life almost run. His wan, sunken features told of the suf- 
fering he had endured. Around his bedside stood his sor- 
row-stricken wife and a number of brethren and sisters, who 
felt that a wise counselor, a father in Israel, a faithful serv- 
ant of God, a loving husband and father was leaving them. 
He requested that a season of prayer be had around his 
bedside. He indicated the position to be occupied by those 
present, and being asked if he had a scripture reading to 
suggest, after a moment's thought he gave these words: 
* For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle 
were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not 
tnade with hands, eternal in the heavens.' After prayer, to 
which he most heartily responded, he left messages for ab- 
sent loved ones, and especially to his little boys who were 
so soon to be left fatherless. And then he composed himself 
and waited patiently for the end to come. He was ready 
and anxious to go home. As his feet were slipping o'er the 
brink, we heard the thrice-repeated prayer: * Oh, that the 
Lord would come and take me,' and with these words upon 
his lips, the last he was ever to utter in this world, the Lord 
took him home. Such was the death of our beloved Robert 
H. Miller. A death like his must have inspired the prophet 
when he said : * Let nte die the death of the righteous, and 
let my last end be like his.' " 



144 



SOME WHO LED 




JACOB DIEHL TROSTLE 

September 25, 1825— June 15, 1899. 

Born on his father's farm near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; 
the oldest child of five sons and two daughters of Michael 
and Susan Diehl Trostle. Parentage German: the father and 
his ancestors were Lutheran; the mother and hers, Church 
of the Brethren. She was a woman of unusually strong in- 
dividuality; her piety manifested itself in the fact that all her 
children early united with the church of her choice and that 
four of her sons were chosen to the ministry and the two 
daughters were ministers* wives. 

Jacob secured little education and later in life regretted it 



JACOB DIEHL TROSTLE 145 

very much. Hard work on the farm seems to have been his 
lot in early life. For some reason he learned the milling 
trade, but did not follow it in after-life. His strong, pious 
personality was felt every day and everywhere. Soon after 
starting out for himself he boarded a contractor with some 
helpers. He asked them to join him in family worship each 
morning, agreeing to pay all the men for the loss of time 
thus entailed. At settlement there was no claim, but thanks 
for receiving such blessed influence into their daily labors. 
In 1854 Brother Trostle moved his family upon a farm near 
Linganore, Md. Here he built for himself a good and happy 
home and enjoyed its blessings for thirty years. The at- 
tractions of the West were always alluring to him, and in 
1884 the family moved to Dickinson County, Kans., where 
he resided till his death. He was a successful farmer, a con- 
genial neighbor, a citizen of the highest type. While he 
was not an aggressive leader among men, every one regard- 
ed him most highly and his counsel was often sought. 

Brother Trostle was from his youth quiet, thoughtful, and 
piously inclined. When but a child his simple faith prompt- 
ed him to retire to seclusion and pray for a man, one he 
looked up to, and who on this occasion had become intox- 
icated. His pleading was overheard, told to the man when 
he became sober, and thus became effectual in reformation. 
At first Jacob united with the Church of God; later, in 1845, 
he joined the Church of the Brethren. It was natural for 
him not only to be good, but to do all the good he could, 
and his new life in Christ was a joyful service to him. In 
the Marsh Creek congregation. Pa., he was called to the 
ministry Feb. 8, 1851, and on Oct. 14, 1859, ordained and 
made first bishop of the Bush Creek congregation of Mary- 
land, at which place he was then presiding. His labors 
reached out among the churches of Pennsylvania, Virginia, 
Tennessee, as well as Maryland. His evangelistic messages 
by the blessing of the Lord brought good results. After he 
located in Kansas his untiring efforts and zeal led him into 
every available place to hurry on the kingdom of heaven 
in the world. His activity in District and Annual Confer- 
ences was appreciated. He represented his District at Con- 



146 SOME WHO LED 

ference several times and his words in those bodies were 
sound, helpful, and savored strongly of evangelism. 

From a physical standpoint Brother Trostle was almost 
a giant. He was tall, well proportioned, muscular and blessed 
with the best of health. His voice was full, round and re- 
sonant, and his eyes revealed the tenderest of hearts with- 
in. A child felt at ease in his presence. 

His messages bore the stamp of little culture; but what 
mattered it if he did not always use the best of English, his 
whole-hearted, soul-stirring effort pointed many a soul to the 
Lamb of God, and no better accomplishing can any follower 
of Jesus Christ desire. No hearer ever went from his au- 
dience without feeling the benediction of a godly man and 
having in his heart a wonderful message of love. His heart 
was full to overflowing with love for everybody. He traveled 
much among the churches, and who in the large circle of ac- 
quaintance did not wnt to entertain "our brother"? 

He was a man of strong convictions. What he believed 
was right he stood for, not in the spirit of stubbornness but 
either to win the opposition or else to be shown he was 
wrong. He was more concerned about soul saving, however, 
than any technicality on point of teaching. In fact, the 
greatest power in the man was his wonderful love; that con- 
quered all things for him. 

Brother Trostle was united in marriage to Sister Sarah 
Pfoutz on Feb. 18, 1847. To them were born twelve chil- 
dren, seven of whom lived to reach maturity. 

Dread cancer had taken hold of him. He suffered much 
and long. The last fifty-three days of his life he took no food 
and during that time suffered much. Yet he bore it all pa- 
tiently to the end His body was laid to rest near Navarre, 
Kans., to await resurrection day. 

Information for this sketch supplied by Bishop J. D. 
Haughtelin, Panora, Iowa. 



JAMES RUFUS GISH 



147 




JAMES RUFUS GISH 

June 4, 1826— April 30, 1896. 

In his day and generation no man among us figured more 
largely as a missionary than Elder James R. Gish, and it 
was while residing at Stuttgart, Ark., that he passed to his 
reward. For isolated points, and in sections of the country 
where the Gospel was seldom preached, he was indeed a 
typical missionary. 

He was born in Roanoke County, Va., was raised on a 
farm and learned to endure the hardships common to that 
class of boys. He shirked no duty, nor did he look upon his 
lot in life as a hard one. He went about his work cheer- 



148 SOME WHO LED 

fully, endeavored to look on the bright side of things, and 
did his utmost to make the very best possible out of life. 

He seems never to have been idle and, while a young man, 
displayed rare genius as a carver in wood. One summer he 
undertook the carving of a cane. This he did at noon while 
his horses were eating. With a pocketknife he carved the 
cane full of animals, birds and reptiles, filling it from one 
end to the other. The designs were well executed, showing 
that the man had a talent for this kind of work, and that he 
was industrious and painstaking. This cane is carefully pre- 
served among other curiosities in Mount Morris College. 
While yet in his teens, he gave evidence of the marvelous 
physical endurance so noticeable later in life. As a boy, he 
spent many a winter day on the fox chase among the moun- 
tains of Virginia. When his dog struck the fox trail, he 
would start on the run, and by cutting across ravines and 
rounding mountain points, could keep in touch with them 
for a whole day. Thus he would sometimes go for hours at 
a stretch, with no thought of slacking his pace until his fox 
was run into its den. All through life this persistency was 
characteristic of the man. He never gave up until he had 
attained the end in view. 

His parents were devout members of the Church of the 
Brethren, and early instilled into his mind and heart a love 
for the church and God's people. His opportunities for an 
education were very limited, yet having a fine brain and be- 
ing a keen observer he passed as a man of more than ordi- 
nary intelligence. Early in life he became a careful reader, 
made the Scriptures a special study, conversed much with 
men of broad information, and in time gained the reputation 
of being one of the best-informed men in the community. 

In 1848 he was married to Barbara Kindig, who proved to 
be the right kind of a wife for a preacher. In the fall of the 
same year they emigrated, by private conveyance, to Wood- 
ford County, 111., being six weeks on the road, and settled 
on Grand Prairie, where the city of Roanoke now stands. 
The country was then new, land was cheap, and Brother 
Gish was fortunate enough to secure some of the best of it, 



JAMES RUFUS GISH 149 

thus laying the foundation for the splendid estate that he 
acquired later in life. 

June 27, 1852, they united with the Brethren church, six 
others being baptized at the same time. This was practically 
the beginning of the church in Woodford County. Among 
the emigrants from Virginia there were five members, in- 
cluding his father and mother, and the eight baptized on the 
occasion made a group of thirteen. These were organized 
in the fall of the same year, and Brother Gish was elected 
to the ministry Oct. 23. He immediately began his prepara- 
tion for the ministry, and in the course of a few years be- 
came a speaker of marked ability, especially along doctrinal 
lines. Under his preaching with the help of others called 
to the work, the little flock in Woodford County grew, and 
in time he, having been ordained to the eldership, found 
himself in charge of one of the strongest congregations in 
Southern Illinois. Two years after his call to the ministry 
he and Sister Gish made a trip to Virginia by private con- 
veyance. The trip one way occupied six weeks, and they 
camped out every night. During this tour he did consider- 
able preaching in the East, and some years after his return 
to Illinois gradually went into mission work, all at his 
own expense. Accompanied by his wife, he would visit 
churches and isolated points far and near, preaching the 
Gospel wherever he went. His wife was a fine singer, an 
ideal leader, and she conducted the song services while 
Brother Gish did the preaching. Wherever they went they 
were welcomed, and always knew just how to make them- 
selves agreeable with all classes of people, rich and poor 
alike. 

Every now and then Brother Gish would purchase a farm 
in some new locality, where there were a fev/ members, and 
let some poor preacher have it on terms so he could pay for 
it. In this way he helped several preachers to get a start. 
He always looked upon methods of this sort as mission 
work. He believed in each congregation having a resident 
minister, who could be with the flock and attend to the 
home preaching. 

Before revivals were much thought of in the Brotherhood 



150 SOME WHO LED 

he held many protracted meetings in different parts of the 
West. Shortly before the war he went to Cedar County, 
Mo., over 100 miles from any railroad, held a protracted 
meeting that lasted about two weeks and resulted in several 
accessions to the church. He was not what we would de- 
nominate a revivalist, but was a plain gospel preacher, who 
understood his Bible and knew how to instruct the people 
aright. 

Soon after the close of the war he went into the South for 
the purpose of opening up mission points, going as far as 
New Orleans. He found the conditions not favorable for 
his work so far South, and then came into Tennessee, where 
he and his wife visited nearly every congregation in that 
State, going from point to point on horseback. 

In after years he, always accompanied by his wife, made 
many missionary trips into the South. He also visited the 
East and many parts of the West, preaching much in Mis- 
souri, Kansas, Colorado, Texas and Arkansas. In the latter 
State he finally located, and spent the closing years of his 
busy life in real frontier mission work. All of this he did, 
not only at his own expense, but he assisted other ministers 
while they aided in the mission work of the State. 

Brother Gish was a good financier. He invested his money 
carefully, and in time became a man of considerable wealth, 
yet he lived the simple life, gave largely in the interests of 
charity, and in this manner set a splendid example for 
others. 

At his death he left all of his property to his wife, without 
any instructions. After a few years she turned $60,000 over 
to the General Mission Board, to constitute what is so fa- 
vorably known as the Gish Fund. The remains of Brother 
Gish were laid to rest in the cemetery at Roanoke, 111., near 
where he built his first home when he came to the State. 
Sister Barbara Gish still survives her devout and consecrat- 
ed husband, having her place of residence near Roanoke, 
though she often spends the winter months in Kansas. 

J. H. Moore, Elgin, 111. 



WILLIAM HERTZLER 151 



WILLIAM HERTZLER 

December 30, 1827— February 10, 1896. 

Born near Myerstown, Lebanon County, Pa. He was sec- 
ond of a family of sixteen children, — seven sons and nine 
daughters, — born to Jonathan and Elizabeth Royer Hertzler. 
His parents were Germans of that substantial type that im- 
parted good ideals to each of their children. William en- 
joyed a common school education, worked on his father's 
farm till twenty-one, and then started out for himself. In 
1848 he married Mary Ann Hofifer, and by this union three 
sons and two daughters were reared, Brother S. H. Hertzler, 
of Elizabethtown, Pa., being the third child of the family. 
In 1851 William moved upon a farm in the Big Swatara con- 
gregation, not far from Elizabethtown, where he resided un- 
til his children were grov/n. Then he moved into Eliza- 
bethtown, where he lived a retired life till its close. 

When sixteen years old William united with the Brethren 
in the Tulpehocken congregation. In 1827, when but nine- 
teen years old, he and Daniel Royer were elected to the min- 
istry on the same day. In 1868 he was ordained first in order 
to assist Elder Jacob Hollinger in the care of the Spring 
Creek congregation, and later he was given the full over- 
sight and retained it till 1895. 

In 1865 he, with some others, started a Sunday-school in 
the Conewago house. He served a number of years as su- 
perintendent, and was a strong advocate of such effort long 
before the Conference recognized Sunday-schools. He 
served for a number of years on the District Mission Board 
of Eastern Pennsylvania, frequently was appointed Mod- 
erator of the District Meeting, and served several times as 
delegate to Standing Committee of General Conference. His 
judgment and manner of church work were so good that he 



152 SOME WHO LED 

was often called to visit churches in the District. He was 
a peacemaker, an earnest worker, one very considerate of 
the feelings of others. 

" He was a man of convictions and was willing to maintain 
them, not in an overbearing, but modest, quiet way. It took 
good, sound reasoning to move him from his opinion, but 
when convinced of an error he would yield like a man and 
not try to defend his error against better knowledge. If he 
noticed trickery or deception in any one concerning church 
work he was not slow to reveal it, and in that way en- 
countered the enmity of some who should have stood by him. 
When called to the ministry he was young and his mind ac- 
tive, so what he lacked in school he made up in reading. 
He used his spare moments to read his Bible, and commit 
select portions to memory, rehearsing them while at work 
on the farm until he had them fixed in his mind. It was his 
understanding with his fellow-laborers, when any minister 
misquoted or misapplied a scripture, that the one noticing it 
should go to him in love and call his attention to his mis- 
take." 

His closing years were full of pain and suffering, caused 
by a cancer that at last claimed his life. He was laid to rest 
in God's acre in the bounds of the Spring Creek congrega- 
tion. 

Quotation in and information for this sketch supplied by 
Bishop S. R. Zug, of Elizabethtown, Pa. 

We Cannot Die. 

Oh, say, is it to die — 
To wear the Savior's radiant form of brightness, 

To see him as he is with glory crowned, 
To stand in robes of pure unspotted whiteness. 

Joining the songs of happy saints above? 

No! No! we cannot die: 
In death's unrobing room we strip from round us. 

The garments of mortality and earth; 
And, breaking from the embryo state that bound us, 
Our day of dying is our day of birth. 

— ^J. H. Newman. 



ENOCH EBY 



153 




ENOCH EBY 

November 15, 1828— April 29, 1910. 

Measured by limited human judgment the life of Elder 
Enoch Eby was a most successful one. Born in Juniata 
County, Pa., he lived through and took an active and lead- 
ing part in the activities of the Church of the Brethren dur- 
ing the last half of the nineteenth century. For thirty years 
he easily held the first rank among the ministers of the 
church west of the Ohio River. 

His surroundings in early life were not of a character to 
foster either religious or educational aspirations, and the 
neighborhood morals were not of a high type. The common 



154 SOME WHO LED 

schools offered but three or four months a year of meager 
educational advantages, and these were often halved by the 
strenuous duties of active farm life engaged in by young 
Enoch. With commendable determination he qualified him- 
self to teach in the public schools of Pennsylvania. 

Once he wrote as follows of his early surroundings: "No 
Sunday-schools, but plenty of distilleries, with much dan- 
cing, swearing, and frolicking. I thank God for the strict pa- 
rental government which alone, with God's help, kept me 
from moral destruction." He had opportunity to attend 
preaching every eight weeks, and later every four weeks. 
Two members of the Church of the Brethren lived within 
ten miles of the Eby home, and social conditions were not 
the best. 

Enoch's parents were faithful Christians, and that they 
gave their children careful religious training is evidenced by 
the fact that all of them, nine in number, united with the 
church at an early age. He was baptized when seventeen 
years old and spent sixty-four years in the service of the 
Master. In 1847 he was married to Sister Hettie Howe, of 
Pennsylvania, and in 1851 was called to the ministry in his 
native State. He felt for years that the call would come, but 
when it came, such was his sense of unworthiness that he 
wrote: "I spent the first night in sleepless tossing on 
the floor, weeping bitterly, with the prayer of Jesus 
on my lips, 'Father, if it be possible let this cup 
pass from me.' My unholiness, my poor qualifications 
in every way, the care of my family, with but little 
education, no experience in public speaking, all stared me 
in the face. Finally the thought came, * The Lord will not 
require more than he gives ability to do.' I surrendered at 
once and have labored in the ministry with comfort for 
many years." He served in that high calling nearly sixty 
years. 

In 1855 Brother Eby came to Illinois and settled in the 
Waddams Grove District. Here he was advanced in the 
ministry and ordained to the bishopric, and took charge of 
the Waddams Grove congregation in 1864. Here he spent 
the most active years of his life. In 1877, in company with 



ENOCH EBY 155 

Elder Daniel Fry, he was sent to Europe to organize the 
church in Denmark. In 1884 he was appointed Chairman of 
the General Missionary Board, in which capacity he served 
faithfully and well for a number of years. He never missed 
a meeting of the Board during his years of service. He con- 
tinued active in the ministry until a short time before his 
death. 

Bro. Eby held tenaciously to the principles for which the 
church stood. He never wavered for a moment in his faith 
in those principles and human failures. Human he was, with 
human weaknesses such as all men have to contend with, but 
he was an humble man at heart as well as in appearance and 
hesitated not to confess his faults and strive for the higher 
life. In the days of his activity he was a leader, and one of 
the strong men in the church. His influence and his strength 
are evidenced by the fact that he served on the Standing 
Committee eighteen years and for fifteen years he was chos- 
en either Reading Clerk or Moderator of our Annual Con- 
ferences. He was peculiarly fitted for the duty of Mod- 
erator. He had a splendid, well-modulated voice, which nev- 
er broke even at its highest pitch, and could be heard in the 
largest tabernacle to the limit of the largest crowd. It was 
often said he was the best Moderator we had. 

As a minister he ranked, in his prime, among the very best 
pulpit orators in the church. He had none of the artificial 
niceties of the elocutionary art. His speech was natural 
and unstudied and came warm from the heart. He was able 
to move audiences as few men could in his time. He was 
not a debater, as was his ablest contemporary. Brother R. 
H. Miller. His power lay in exhortation and appeals to the 
heart and emotions, rather than to the reason, and he never 
failed to carry his audience with him. He was emotional, 
kind-hearted, courteous, genial, and put his soul into his 
work. Few who knew him well will ever forget his hearty 
handshake and his warm greetings. 

He had the advantage of living his life fully out. As years 
count between two eternities he was an old man when the 
Lord called him hence. His energies were prolonged, and 
only a year ago one of our leading men said that Brother 



156 SOME WHO LED 

Enoch made the best talk given at our Ministerial Meet- 
ing. May his soul rest in peace! D. L. M. 

"As the Tree Falleth." 

So shall it be: whether to the North or South 
It fall, the chance henceforth shall be its tomb. . 
But will it fall by chance? Rare is the stem 
Straight-grown to heaven; its pliant grace has leaned 
To soft caresses of the sun-land winds, 
Or stooped to Arctic rage in shrinking fear, 
Which way the restless airs most steady blow 
The tree leans too; and this is nature's way. 

How will he fall? The world beholds his bent; 
Mayhap he's dallied with the gentle breath 
Of gilded sin, and thought the touch no harm; 
Or some great wish persistent pressed its worth; 
Or sips of evil grew to fearless draughts; 
And now he hangs over his life's wild brink 
Ripe for a plunge into the awful Hence. 

How does he lean? Toward the calm, blue sky. 
The morning beams of love and generous deeds. 
The sunset's eulogy of holiness, 
The clouds and rain of faithful chastening. 
The rigorous sweep of heaven's bereaving blasts. 
So, when the woodman's fatal axe strikes deep. 
He falls into the arms of Christ the Lord, 
Embosomed in his joys eternally. 

— Poems of a Decade, Mrs. Adaline Hohf Beery. 



CHRISTIAN HERVEY BALSBAUGH 157 




CHRISTIAN HERVEY BALSBAUGH 

April 16, 1831— January 18, 1909. 

Born at Hanover, Dauphin County, Pa. He had devoted, 
pious parents. His father was a deacon and his grandfather 
an elder of the Church of the Brethren. 

From a boy he had an insatiable desire for learning. Lim- 
ited financially, circumstances and a frail body were hard 
obstacles in the way. But he grasped and made opportuni- 
ties to learn. He says of himself, " Sometimes when any- 
thing unusually enthralling engaged my mind I would steal 
down stairs at night, when all the rest were wrapt in slum- 



158 SOME WHO LED 

ber, and rake coals out of the ashes one by one, and study 
by the dim light until my eyes felt like cracking." 

He taught school at the age of nineteen, and spent what 
he earned to get further training in the Harrisburg Acade- 
my. He taught again and then went to school at Gettysburg. 
Here he became very ill, and after a time taught again and 
then attended the Freeland Seminary in Montgomery Coun- 
ty, Pa. While here he was baptized by Brother George Price 
June 13, 1852. He again resumed teaching, but health fail- 
ing he turned his attention to the study of medicine. He 
became an office student of Dr. A. D. H. Kemper, son-in-law 
of Elder John Sprogle. He went to Philadelphia to attend 
lectures and there broke completely down with nervous 
prostration. He lost his voice and had to depend on slate 
and pencil. He went to New York, as a patient and student 
in the Hygienio-Therapeutic College, of which Russel T. 
Trail was founder and president. In 1860 his voice returned. 
He was enabled to lay aside slate and pencil till 1871. Then 
another breakdown came. He lost his voice and had to use 
slate and pencil for thirteen years more. During this time 
he was confined much of the time to his bed. He had always 
been a great writer. Now he wrote very extensively. Both 
by inclination and discipline he loved the pen. He says, 
*' Many of my articles were written while I was lying on 
my back with a board or some other support across my 
knees." His physical condition and the activity of his mind 
led him to study, meditation and writing. 

He says in his autobiography: "Through all these years 
of pain and loneliness God was training me in deeper self- 
knowledge and for higher usefulness. When I entered the 
church I was a rigid legalist, not knowing anything of the 
great central doctrine of justification by faith. Baptism was 
to me the salient fact that distinguished between the king- 
dom of God and the kingdom of Satan. But eighteen years 
of schooling in the seminary of Calvary brought a wonder- 
ful revolution of views in relation to God and myself. It 
was a fearful ordeal to tear away from the religious convic- 
tions which from my earliest teaching had been my very life, 
as regards the relation of obedience to salvation. With re- 



CHRISTIAN HERVEY BALSBAUGH 159 

newed earnestness and prayer I searched the Scriptures to 
find the mind of God as expressed in Christ Jesus. And I 
found it. The great gaps and apparent discrepancies of Di- 
vine Revelation were bridged over and reconciled. Now I 
see as clearly as my shallow mind will allow how we are 
* saved by grace through faith,' and yet must *work out our 
own salvation with fear and trembling.' " 

Brother Balsbaugh firmly believed that on September 30, 
1884, his voice returned to him in answer to the prayer of 
faith. From this time he had the use of his voice till his 
death. He always had a frail body and consequently also a 
weak voice. 

It is easy to see how our brother was called to the pen 
ministry. Perhaps no one in our church wrote more exten- 
sively in the same number of years than Brother Balsbaugh. 
He wrote on a large variety of subjects. Being much af- 
flicted, he loved to write words of comfort and encourage- 
ment to other afflicted souls. His writings were alvays brim- 
ful of the Word. He knew a large part of the Bible by heart 
and was able to quote and locate exactly many passages of 
Scripture. The Bible was a new and living book to him. In 
it he always found fresh truths to stimulate and direct poor 
mortal life. Jesus was his ever-present, personal Friend. In 
him he confided always. To him he was glad to direct the 
suffering, sorrowing and seeking. By his writings he con- 
soled, lifted, encouraged and strengthened very many of 
God's dear children. Many of his writings appeared in 
1895 in book form under the title, " Glimpses of Jesus." 

His home was a quiet, restful little shelter near the church 
where he loved to worship, in the county in which he was 
born. There, with the companionship of his devoted wife, 
he spent years of peace and happiness. His many friends al- 
ways had a warm welcome and were entertained and in- 
structed by his large life and the Word which he always had 
with him. He enjoyed worship with his friends by his fire- 
side or bedside. Having been with him awhile you went 
away with the feeling that the benediction of God was rest- 
ing upon you. 



160 SOME WHO LED 

On the 18th of January, 1909, the soul o£ our beloved 
brother departed from the body to be with God. 

T. T. Myers, Huntingdon, Pa. 

The Solidarity of Humanity. 

Christ accepts the solidarity of humanity, and he has but 
one Gospel for the whole world. Man is man everywhere. 
Christ is Christ from pole to pole, from Orient to Occident. 
Workers in the church, no matter where they are, have the 
same problems to deal with, the same foe to encounter, the 
same blessed, all-sufficient Savior to present. No matter 
where v/e are placed, and how restricted and revolting our 
sphere, great is our mission, and great our responsibility. 
We are called to be the representatives of Jesus; and our 
life and influence are more than our creed or profession. 
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men." John 
1: 4. The supreme work of Jesus was not teaching and 
ritual; but he came to LIVE THE LIFE OF GOD IN THE 
FLESH, so that all the world may know how human life 
must be transformed into the Divine in order to secure eter- 
nal blessedness. Apart from this there is no salvation. No 
soul is to rest satisfied until its ruling consciousness is the 
undeniable fact of the indwelling of Christ. Jesus was never 
bewildered by doubt as to his lineage. We never doubt our 
human pedigree. Is our divine generation less emphatic? — 
C. H. Balsbaugh. 



JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LAHMAN 



161 




JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LAHMAN 

January 24, 1832— April 20, 1897. 

Eldest child of seven sons and three daughters of Chris- 
tian, Jr., and Elizabeth Emmert Lahman. Parents were en- 
gaged in farming and flour-milling business near Gettys- 
burg, Pa., when Joseph was born. They are descendants 
from German stock, the Lahmans coming to this country 
about A. D. 1700. Three generations of them were engaged 
in the milling business. They were members of the Church 
of the Brethren, zealous of good works, and took special in- 
terest in instilling into their children noble principles of life. 

Being first in the family Joseph had opportunity only for a 



162 SOME WHO LED 

common-school education. He was a hard worker on the 
farm and grew to manhood with a strong body and a splen- 
did purpose in life. In 1833, when Joseph was quite young, 
the family moved to Washington County, Md., and in 1843 to 
Lee County, 111. The father helped to lay out the present 
village of Franklin Grove. During the prime of his life Jo- 
seph engaged in farming, and for a number of years owned 
in partnership with his brother, John, a flour-mill that was 
run night and day to meet the demands of the newly-settled 
country. He was affable in business, honest, careful and en- 
ergetic. For a number of years he owned a large and val- 
uable herd of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, and was great- 
ly interested in the propagation of fruit more suited to the 
climate of northern Illinois. But he was not only a leader 
in business circles; he took much interest in the moral and 
educational welfare of his community. For a long time he 
served as a trustee of Mt. Morris College, and in 1891 quit 
the farm and took up his residence at Mt. Morris, his home 
when he died. The Lord prospered the labors of his hands 
and Brother Lahman was always known as a liberal man. 

When a little past thirty Joseph united with the Church of 
the Brethren. His diligence in spiritual things soon prompt- 
ed the church to call him to the ministry (1864), and his 
faithfulness in proclaiming the Word was most commend- 
able. He was not a brilliant speaker; he did not have his 
discourses well outlined; but what he said went to the heart, 
because he was known to try to live what he preached. He 
was especially good as a counselor. In 1889 he was ordained 
to the bishopric, and his activities and traveling among the 
churches soon placed him among the leaders. He was an en- 
thusiastic supporter of home and foreign missions, con- 
tributed liberally and solicited others in their behalf. By 
choice of the General Board for a number of years he con- 
ducted the offerings taken on missionary day at Conference. 

He traveled much among the churches of the Middle West, 
stirring them to greater activity and confirming their hope- in 
the better world. During the winter of 1893 and 1894 he was 
the sole companion of Brother D. L. Miller on a tour 
through Europe, Egypt and Palestine. Both men left their 



JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LAHMAN 163 

wives at home, made the long journey within six months, 
were prospered on their way and came back to the churches 
at home with a new message. Of him Brother Miller in an 
editorial says : " It is said if you would know a man you 
must live with him. It was my privilege to enjoy a very 
close personal relation with Bro. Lahman. In our extended 
tour in the East we were thrown almost entirely on each 
other for companionship. Traveling is sure to bring to the 
surface the real character. If there be any selfishness hid 
away it is sure to assert itself and come to the surface. In 
all our association together, Bro. Lahman showed the most 
unselfish disposition. He was so thoughtful of others that, at 
times, he forgot what was due himself. He was by natural 
instinct a gentleman in the highest sense of the word. Add 
to this his high Christian character, his loyalty to his friends, 
and his zeal for the cause of truth, and we have the best ele- 
ments that go to make up the true man of God. He pos- 
sessed rare social qualities which made him a pleasant com- 
panion indeed.'* 

In 1856 Brother Lahman was united in marriage to Loren- 
da Diehl. They were blessed with five sons and three daugh- 
ters. In 1879 the wife passed away. Later he married Mrs. 
Susan B. Gitt, who survived him a few years. On their way 
from Florida, where they were in the habit of spending their 
winters, they stopped over night at the Brethren's Mission 
in Washington, D. C. Early the next morning Brother Lah- 
man was stricken with apoplexy and died in a few hours. 
His body was brought for interment in the cemetery near 
his old home and laid to rest by the side of his first compan- 
ion to await the blessed resurrection morn. 

Information for this sketch supplied by Bishop C. W. Lah- 
man, Franklin Grove, 111. 



164 



SOME WHO LED 




GEORGE C. BOWMAN 

Feb. 15, 1832— July 31, 1898. 

Among those whose influence for good cannot be measured 
by the standard of limited human judgment is that of Elder 
George C. Bowman, who was born near Boone's Creek, 
Washington County, Tenn. He descended from a family of 
Brethren prominent in the annals of the church in the South, 
and especially in Tennessee. They were among the pioneers 
who established the faith of the Church of the Brethren in 
the South and were among the leaders of their day. Thus 
Brother Bowman was brought under the influence of reli- 
gious training from his childhood; an advantage not to be 



GEORGE C. BOWMAN 165 

overestimated in its influence in the formation of strong 
character. 

In those days it was not customary for the youth to unite 
with the church. It was thought best to wait until the full 
years of maturity had been reached, and this important duty 
was often made the first after marriage. In 1860 Brother 
Bowman was united in mariage with Anna Hylton, daugh- 
ter of Elder Isaac Hylton. In the autumn of the same year 
they united with the Church of the Brethren. In 1861 he 
was called to the ministry and nine years later was ordained 
bishop. In his office he was an earnest and faithful laborer 
and made full proof of his ministry. He served on the 
Standing Committee six times and took an active and prom- 
inent part in the work of the Conference. 

Brother M. Nead writes of him in these words: "He en- 
gaged at once in the work to which he had been called. His 
first effort in public, which I well remember, was much like 
those of one engaged in ordinary conversation, without any 
apparent effort in delivery, and entirely without that zeai 
and enthusiasm that characterized his preaching in later 
years. But there was something in his public talks that in- 
dicated his methods of study, and gave promise and evidence 
of growth and development. 

" His preaching, at the first, as well as in later years, con- 
sisted almost entirely of scriptural quotations with such com- 
ments as he could give. Fullness and accuracy of quotation 
were quite apparent in all his efforts. 

" From these earlier years of his life-work down to the 
time of his death three prominent traits appear conspicu- 
ous in his character. And they evidently were the source or 
means of his power among men. These were, — first, he was 
an untiring student of the Scriptures; second, he was a man 
of much faith; third, he was much given to prayer." 

One who heard Brother Bowman preach at Frederick 
(Maryland) Conference in 1897, says of him: "His sermon 
was made up entirely with scriptural quotations and such 
short comments as he interspersed as he proceeded in his 
discourse. His ability to quote and the absolute accuracy 
with which he quoted from all parts of the Bible, giving chap- 



166 SOME WHO LED 

ter and verse, has never been excelled by any one who ever 
came under our notice. He and Brother Andrew Hutchison 
may be placed in a class by themselves for their full and ac- 
curate knowledge of the Scriptures." 

Brother George did not succeed in laying up the riches of 
this world. He labored with his hands for his own support, 
and when a small surplus was laid by he immedia-tely started 
out on one of his numerous preaching tours, sometimes afoot 
and sometimes horseback, and labored until the money was 
spent and then returned to his home and to his work to pro- 
vide a livelihood. He had considerable ability as an evangel- 
ist, and for preaching the doctrines of Christ, backed up by 
profuse scriptural quotations, he had few equals. He loved 
to visit the isolated and waste places in Zion and on the out- 
skirts and borders of the District, and here he rendered in- 
valuable service. 

The later years of his life were entirely devoted to the 
ministry of the Word, and he seemed to rejoice most when 
most engaged in his loved employ. He died full of years 
and full of service for the Master's cause which he made 
the full concern of his heart. 

The data for this sketch furnished by Elder D. F. Bow- 
man. 



SAMUEL S. MOHLER 167 



SAMUEL S. MOHLER 

September 22, 1832— December 4, 1893. 

With strong church connections on both sides o£ the fam- 
ily, and of consecrated parents, Elder S. S. Mohler was born 
near Covington, Ohio. His father, the elder Samuel Moh- 
ler, who has been prominently referred to as the " grand old 
man of the Miami Valley," was a descendant of one of two 
brothers who came from Switzerland and settled in Pennsyl- 
vania more than two hundred years ago, whose posterity 
have borne a strong disposition to active church service. 
This has been largely in the Church of the Brethren, but 
they are also known among other denominations. His 
mother was Margaret Sayler Mohler, a relative of Elder D. 
P. Sayler, whose name is prominent among those of our 
brethren whose works do follow them. 

In due time father united with the church. His own brief 
record of his life says he "was called to the ministry in the 
Covington Church of the Brethren Nov. 5, 1857; advanced 
to the second degree of the ministry in the same congrega- 
tion in the fall of '61; and ordained to the eldership in the 
Mineral Creek church, Johnson County, Mo., Oct. 8, 1870." 
He passed to his reward, after an illness of over four years. 

Nov. 3, 1853, he married Mary Ann Deeter, also of Coving- 
ton, who was well fitted for the duties that fell to her lot on 
account of his activities in the church. They made their 
home near Covington until in March, 1861, when they moved 
to the Harriss Creek church, in Darke County, Ohio. 

During his residence in Miami County an election for a 
minister resulted in a tie vote between him and his father. 
Both were installed, but as that was in a day when young 
men were not trusted so much, he was rarely expected to 
take part in church services beyond the opening and closing 
exercises. Perhaps this restraint was a cause of his remov- 



168 SOME WHO LED 

al to the Harriss Creek church, where Brother J. G. Royer 
says he preached whenever his " turn " came, and his " ser- 
mons were much appreciated, as he always gave the people 
something to take home." 

Early in his ministry he began to add to his meager edu- 
cation by such reading as opportunity afforded. This, with 
careful habit of thought and a high ideal of work to be done, 
soon gave him an ability that was recognized by all who 
heard him. Brother Royer writes me: "Your father, in 
that day, stood among the first of the young ministers of 
Southern Ohio. Everybody recognized him as loyal to the 
church and her practices. When he went West he left many 
who regretted his leaving Southern Ohio." 

But a new field and a large one with large opportunities 
for building up the cause in the then Western States called 
him to Missouri in the spring of 1869. April 1, with family 
and possessions, he reached Knobnoster, Johnson County, 
Mo. This was in the Walnut Creek congregation; but a few 
members had located near the present site of Leeton, Mo., 
and he soon purchased the farm that was his home until 
near the close of his life, when he moved to Warrensburg. 

The few members, four men with their wives, who located 
at that place organized the Mineral Creek church Dec. 25, 
1869; but it was some time before they had a place of wor- 
ship. It was at a love feast Oct. 8, 1870, held in Brother 
Daniel Neher's barn, that father was ordained to the elder- 
ship. 

At that time Elder John Harshey was in charge of the 
congregation and continued so for several years; but when 
he moved some distance away and, later, cast his lot with 
the Old Order Brethren, the care of the church gradually 
passed into father's hands. For near twenty years he was 
looked to as elder in charge of the Mineral Creek church, 
without the formality of a choice by the church. 

During this time his experiences were many, wide and va- 
ried. As a minister in a new country, where all were alike 
poor in this world's goods, and there was much hungering 
for the Bread of Life, he traveled, largely at his own ex- 
pense, more or less over several counties. This, however. 



SAMUEL S. MOHLER 169 

was not alone, as is now our common custom, but with an- 
other brother going two by two as in the apostles' time. 
His intimate friend and cousin, Elder John M. Mohler, trav- 
eled with him more than any other. Elder A. Hutchison was 
sometimes his companion; and, on a trip to Texas, sent by 
the General Mission Board, Elder Gideon Bolinger accom- 
panied him. 

Again, he made several trips to New Madrid County, Mo., 
among the remnants of churches formerly existing in South- 
eastern Missouri; and, in company with Elder Rufus Gish, 
did what could be done to organize the work there, with 
Brother Gish in charge. 

On his missionary trips his work was not that of an evan- 
gelist, but a layer of a foundation upon which others might 
build. His preaching did not so minister to the masses as 
did that of some others; but it appealed to and helped 
strong men who, in their turn, could reach those he could not 
gain. Those who comprehended his work received it with 
fullest appreciation. 

His greatest usefulness, however, was in the government 
of churches. In this line he was held by those who labored 
with him as having few equals. In the history of the 
churches of Middle Missouri and of Southern Missouri his 
work as counselor and as elder in charge of a number of 
them is more prominent than that of any other. 

Not until in recent years did the writer attend a District 
Meeting at which his father's work was not mentioned in the 
open council by some one who had worked with him and re- 
ceived his counsel. Six times he served as Moderator of Dis- 
trict Meeting in what was then known as Southern Missouri, 
but is divided now into Middle and Southern Districts of 
Missouri. 

Not alone from the churches of Southern Missouri, but 
also from those of adjoining Districts and States, were calls 
sent him for his assistance. Strong in my recollections are 
his frequent trips to Ray County, Missouri, and Olathe, 
Kans., where for a time he had oversight of the congrega- 
tions. We have since become acquainted with the elders of 
those churches who succeeded him and they have spoken 



170 SOME WHO LED 

gratefully of his assistance. So, too, do we remember words 
of gratitude from elders of Carthage (Mo.) and Morrill 
(Kans.) churches, from brethren in Nebraska and from Illi- 
nois, where he was called to assist in maintaining order and 
the principles for which the church has stood. 

As we look over our Annual Meeting Minutes we find he 
had a part in the work of the General Brotherhood that is 
clearly remembered by many yet active among the workers 
of the church. Five times he served on Standing Commit- 
tee, and at the Harrisonburg (Va.) Meeting of 1889 he was 
chosen Moderator. 

During the ten years previous to his loss of health we find 
his name frequently in the Annual Meeting Minutes, on com- 
mittees to churches, Book and Tract Committee, Gospel 
Messenger Advisory Committee, Committee on Plans for 
Holding Annual Meeting, Committee on Publications, and 
as a committee of three who prepared the Rules Governing 
Annual Meeting. 

As a writer he was well known to the readers of our 
church publications during his time. His writings are said to 
have been clear, strong, logical and exhaustive. Classified 
Minutes of Annual Meeting, in use for a number of years 
previous to issuing of the Revised Minutes, was his compila- 
tion, and is an example of his carefulness and systematic 
work. 

Brother D. L. Miller writes me with deep emotion of his 
experiences with my father on committee work, on the con- 
struction of the church's present policies, of intimate asso- 
ciations of friendship, of the advice and encouragement re- 
ceived from him while Brother Miller was Office Editor of 
the Messenger, and of the letters from father which he still 
preserves, all of which come to us as a rewarding tribute of 
gratitude, as has come from many others for one who gave 
his best thought and strength to the church that she might 
be purer, stronger, and holier for his having lived. 

Jesse D. Mohler, Warrensburg, Mo. 



JOSEPH B. BOWMAN 



171 




JOSEPH B. BOWMAN 

September 30, 1832— May 13, 1910. 

Elder Joseph B. Bowman was born in the Knob Creek 
church, near Jonesboro, Tenn., son of Joseph and Christina 
(nee Beahm) Bowman who emigrated from Rockingham 
County, Va., in 1818. The family were pioneers in the 
Brethren settlement in Washington County, Tenn. 

Brother Bowman was a member of the Church of the 
Brethren for fifty-five years. He filled the deacon's office for 
several years faithfully and was called to the ministry of the 
Word in 1868 and ordained to the eldership in 1879. He was 



172 SOME WHO LED 

faithful in all his work and magnified his office by a most ex- 
emplary Christian life. 

His life was marked by earnest devotion to the church of 
his choice and to the cause of the Master. He was intense- 
ly interested in all questions touching the work of the church 
and was deeply interested in her prosperity and progress. 
Twice he was called upon by his State District to serve on 
the Standing Committee. 

He was a born leader, and in the most difficult problems 
of life and of the church he had clear insight, and his way 
was clearly marked out. In his ruling in the church he was 
conservative, kind, forbearing, and while he bore long and 
was patient he never departed a single line from what he felt 
to be right. 

He was not so strong in expository preaching as in exhor- 
tation and warning. He faithfully exhorted the members to 
live the Christ-life and warned sinners to turn away from sin 
and follow Christ. In this line of work lay his power as a 
minister. He spent much of his time in visiting among the 
churches, crossing the mountains many times to warn sin- 
ners to flee the wrath to come, and to encourage the mem- 
bers to be ready to meet their returning Lord. 

Both mentally and physically he was a strong man. He 
was energetic and zealous in all his work and had a good 
share of Christian fortitude. His chief aim in life was to do 
the right under all circumstances. He had a keen sense of 
abhorrence for that which was evil, debasing and low, and a 
high sense of appreciation for the good and the true. The 
godly life he lived, both as a neighbor and a Christian, was 
his greatest and strongest sermon. 

In 1855 he was united in marriage with Susannah Arnold, 
daughter of Solomon Arnold. To them were born five chil- 
dren. One of them, Samuel J., lives on the old homestead 
and is one of the elders in charge of the Knob Creek church. 
Brother Bowman died in his seventy-eighth year, and in his 
death the church lost a strong leader and a wise counsellor. 

The facts for this sketch were furnished by Elder S. J. 
Bowman, Jonesboro, Tenn. 



EPHRAIM WINFIELD STONER 



173 




EPHRAIM WINFIELD STONER 

July 26, 1833— July 3, 1911. 

Son of David Stoner and wife, whose maiden name was 
Esther Pfautz. Born on his father's farm near Union Bridge, 
Md., in the vicinity of which Ephraim spent all his life. He 
was the eldest son of a family of five children. His parents 
were pious, earnest members of the Church of the Brethren, 
and imparted the spirit of devotion to their children. 

Ephraim spent his youth on his father's farm, attended 
common school during the winter, and under the quiet influ- 
ence of the home developed into stalwart manhood. At 
twenty-two he, with five others, entered the Master's service, 



174 SOME WHO LED 

Bishop Jacob Saylor baptizing them. His activities brought 
him into the ministry in 1861, when twenty-eight years old. 
This quickened a new interest in church work and he mani- 
fested that interest not only by regular attendance at the 
meetings at home, but in the District and Annual Confer- 
ences. In the fifty years following his call to the ministry 
he missed very few Conferences in his own District and but 
few Annual Meetings. Because his services as bishop were not 
needed in the congregation in which he lived he was not or- 
dained until fifty-three years old. Soon after he was given 
the oversight of Pipe Creek congregation and retained it 
till a few months before his death. He was often sent as 
delegate to the District Meeting, as well as Annual Confer- 
ence. A number of times he served on the Standing Com- 
mittee. His advice had always been carefully weighed by 
himself before given to others; and this made him unusually 
fitted for work in Conference. For thirty years he conduct- 
ed a weekly Bible class in Union Bridge, and only when af- 
fliction that closed his life, came, did he stop attending. 
Near the close of life he wrote a history of the Pipe Creek 
congregation that has great historic value to those who once 
were members of the organization. 

He did not travel and hold many revival meetings, for 
this did not seem to be his strength; rather he felt at home 
among his own flock, and there he well tended. He was es- 
pecially a father in personality, and no one feared to ap- 
proach him, no matter what the burden. His charity for 
others was unusual, and thus those who differed from him 
were still his friends. 

November 3, 1856, Brother Stoner and Sister Belinda 
Engel, who was baptized at the same time he was, were 
united in marriage. By this union ten children blessed their 
home, three living to maturity. 

Patience and faithfulness marked his life to the close. 
Never sick very much during life, he still showed the same 
quiet spirit when disease fastened him to his bed, where he 
spent several months waiting for the end to come. Peace- 
fully he closed his eyes in death and his body was laid to 
rest in the Pipe Creek cemetery. 



DANIEL VANIMAN 



175 




DANIEL VANIMAN 

February 4, 1835— November 15, 1903. 

In the years o£ his greatest activity in church work few 
men made a deeper impression upon those who came under 
his influence than Elder Daniel Vaniman. Born on a farm 
in Montgomery County, Ohio, he enjoyed all the advantages 
of character building afforded by the simple life and of phys- 
ical development to be had on the farm. These advantages 
cannot be overestimated in the development of strong men, 
physically, morally and spiritually. 

His early educational advantages were the uncommon 
common schools of his time. He was a natural student, 



176 SOME WHO LED 

and his desire for an education far exceeded the opportunities 
afforded by his environments. He qualified himself for 
teaching, and this occupation afforded him the coveted op- 
portunity to continue his studies in the higher branches, and 
such was his industry and application, coupled with his de- 
termination to obtain knowledge, that he became a man of 
wide information. 

Elected to the ministry in 1865, and ordained to the bishop- 
ric a year later, he at once entered upon the duties of the 
office to which the church had called him. He was earnest, 
active and always ready for an emergency when it came, 
because he prepared for the emergency before it came. He 
felt when quite young that he would be called upon to 
preach the Gospel, and prepared himself for the ministry, 
and when the call came he was ready. He indulged in no 
pulpit apologies, was a close, logical reasoner, used plain, 
simple language, easy to be understood, took a common- 
sense view of the problems of life, and became one of the 
leading preachers of his day. He often used the words 
" common sense " in his sermons and had a full share of this 
excellent quality. Few men could say or write more in fewer 
words than he. He was a clear thinker, hence a clear speak- 
er. He practiced the art of using the fewest words, com- 
patible with clearness and force, and became a master in the 
use of terse language. His "Chips from the Workhouse," 
published for years in the Messenger, were examples of 
plain, clear, forcible writing, seldom equaled and rarely ex- 
celled. 

Six different times he served on the Standing Committee, 
once as Reading Clerk and thrice as Moderator of our An- 
nual Conference. At Hagerstown, Md., in 1891, he revolu- 
tionized the methods of presiding officer of Conference. He 
taught the important lesson, not since forgotten, that the 
business of Moderator is to preside and not to make speech- 
es, and that if he does his best in presiding he will have no 
time for speech-making. He also introduced the rule that 
in order to secure the floor the speaker must rise, call the 
name of the Moderator, give his own name so that the Mod- 
erator could hear it, and then when that officer accorded 



DANIEL VANIMAN 177 

him the floor, he could begin speaking. It was somewhat 
diverting at the time to have some well-known speaker rise 
and call out " Brother Moderator,'* and then have the pre- 
siding officer say, " Your name, please.'* But it was remark- 
able, after this new rule was enforced, how quickly our 
speakers learned to pronounce their own names. 

In 1883 Brother Vaniman was appointed chairman of a 
committee to report a plan to the Conference for missionary 
and church erection work. The committee was made up of 
five able men and the Conference of 1884 adopted their re- 
port. The committee had two plans submitted for consid- 
eration. The one adopted, written by Brother Vaniman be- 
fore it met, was based on our plan of church government. 
This regards the congregation as the unit of authority, the 
District Mission Board next, and the General Board as high- 
est. The General Board was given authority to assist but 
not to interfere with the work of a District Board. The oth- 
er plan sought to make the General Board supreme in con- 
trol of all missions at home and abroad, and that District 
Boards should report to it. 

Brother Vaniman was appointed a member of the first 
Board in 1884, and served continuously for eleven years, 
part of the time as chairman of the committee. When his 
successor was appointed his loss was severely felt. He was 
an active and aggressive missionary worker and to him, 
more than to any other member of the Board, is due the 
opening of the mission in India. To him belongs the title 
of the father of the India Mission. 

By no means the least service he rendered the cause of 
missions was his most efficient work as Traveling Secretary 
of the Board. For some years he spent most of his time in 
the field and raised large sums of money, leaving behind him 
only the kindliest feelings. Often solicitors urge giving so 
persistently that those thus induced to give under pressure 
afterward become dissatisfied. Brother Vaniman had no 
difficulties of this kind following his solicitations. He was 
a strong advocate for the church ownership of her publish- 
ing interests. When the way opened for the consummation 
of the hopes of many of our Brethren, Brother Vaniman 



178 SOME WHO LED 

took the matter of raising the funds in hand and in a few 
months had the money. The means he raised for our vari- 
ous church funds amounts well up in the hundred thousands. 

Brother Vaniman was a strong advocate of higher educa- 
tion among our people, and in him our schools had a fast 
friend and a firm supporter. He took an active interest 
in Mount Morris College when it most needed friends. He 
served as member of the Board of Trustees for some years. 
He moved to McPherson, Kans., to assist in promoting the 
interests of the college at that place, and for years gave 
much of his time to that institution of learning. 

He was often appointed to serve on important committees 
to consider questions brought to the Conference and to ad- 
just local difficulties. His plain, practical, common-sense 
method of looking at things, his ripe, experienced judgment 
and kindness made his aid invaluable. 

It was our good fortune to have known Brother Vaniman 
intimately and to have been associated with him very closely 
in church work. For twelve years the Mission Board met 
four times a year in our home at Mount Morris, and we 
always deemed it a blessed privilege to entertain the mem- 
bers. Thus Brother Vaniman was often in our home. He 
installed the writer in the ministry and gave him the most 
practical and helpful suggestions received from any source. 
He was a fine conversationalist and always ready with a 
homely story or illustration to clinch the points he made. 
He was kind-hearted and of a lovable disposition, a thor- 
oughly companionable and inspiring personality, broad-mind- 
ed and liberal in his views, and always ready and willing to 
look on both sides of a question before coming to a conclu- 
sion. With a catholicity of spirit, in advance of his day, he 
associated a kindness that did much toward smoothing out 
the rough places of life. Added to these he had an unswerv- 
ing faith in Christ and an enthusiasm and zeal that over- 
comes obstacles mountainous in their character. He was a 
man of God, and dying, left behind him a rich heritage to 
those who follow him in life's ac^vitdes. 



SAMUEL W. HOOVER 



179 




SAMUEL W. HOOVER 

April 16, 1837— March 10, 1895. 

Born near Liberty, west of Dayton, Ohio. Only son of 
Jacob and Elizabeth Cripe Hoover, of Pennsylvania Dutch 
descent. As members of the Church of the Brethren, they 
reared their son in those pious, high ideals for which in 
later years he so faithfully stood. Educational advantages 
decidedly limited, and hard work on the farm plentiful, 
Samuel grew into manhood apparently with a training prom- 
ising little. Yet the foundation of character was well laid 
and maturity revealed a strength to be admired. 

Jan. 26, 1860, Samuel and Catherine Bashore, likewise 



180 SOME WHO LED 

of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, were married. To them 
were born three sons, — Anthony Webster, who died in in- 
fancy, Oliver Perry, and William I. T. The sons are both 
ministers in the church of their parents. 

The log hut, with little to eat and to wear, marked the 
beginning. March 1, 1869, the little family located near 
Kinsey and engaged in the nursery business. The ten years 
following proved very fruitful financially. The business 
grew rapidly. August 15, 1879, it was organized under the 
firm name of "Hoover & Gaines," moved to a farm on 
the west side of Dayton, near the city limits, and a nursery 
on a large scale was laid out. Success followed, so that in 
1882 a stock company was formed with Brother Hoover 
president, which position he held until his death. He was 
widely known and highly esteemed among the business men, 
not only in his own but in other States. His word was as 
good as his bond, he was congenial, quick, hustling, a lead- 
er who was not afraid to go forward. He attended many 
conventions of nurserymen, at times presided, and was one 
of their moving spirits at all times. He readily forcast 
the future and prepared for it; he believed strongly in his 
business and made a success of it. 

When twenty-one, and while yet under the parental roof, 
he accepted Christ as his Savior. His was a whole-hearted 
service from the beginning. Environment, however, in his 
District was not favorable to calling young men to the min- 
istry early in life, and so the call of the Lord lay hushed 
in his bosom until August 16, 1882, when Lower Stillwater 
congregation departed from its time-honored custom of 
choosing one from the deacon board, and selected Brother 
Hoover, the first laymember thus called, to the ministry. 
To Brother Hoover this expressed confidence on the part 
of the church meant still greater reasons for earnest effort 
for the Master, and with a vim which always marked his 
business career, did he take up this holy calling. He al- 
ways favored Sunday-schools, revival meetings and mission- 
ary work, but before this he could advocate them in private 
only. Now his overflowing heart, even in the face of the 
opposition he knew it would create, burst forth from his 



SAMUEL W. HOOVER 181 

pulpit at every opportunity. He supplemented his words 
with actual doing in the same direction. If the avenues near 
home seemed closed to him, he saw larger fields and con- 
ceived the idea of the Book and Track Work for the world. 
This was approved by Conference in 1885. He became a 
member of the first committee, and in the organization, held 
in his own home, was made its president and through re- 
appointment continued until it was united with the General 
Missionary Committee. In this broader field he led the way. 
He started a canvass, first pledging very liberally himself, 
for an endowment that reached about $65,000. The com- 
mittee began publishing tracts. The Brethren*s Chart, — 
select scriptural texts large enough to read from the wall,— 
so useful in many homes was his idea. Conference made 
him a member of the General Missionary and Tract Com- 
mittee when created; it in turn placed him on the Execu- 
tive Committee of the Brethren Publishing House, and these 
positions he occupied till the close of life. He spared neither 
time nor means to make the various phases of church work 
he was in, a success, as is seen in the fact that the last year 
of his life he traveled over 14,000 miles in their interest. 
He was a regular attendant at Annual Meeting and took an 
active part in its deliberations. He was a member of the 
Committee of Arrangements for Conference of 1884. 

Due largely to his persistent efforts and liberality, though 
well seconded by the little flock that loved him, the West 
Dayton churchhouse was erected and dedicated on Sept. 15, 
1889. He was the logical pastor, gave the little flock ten- 
derest care, and rejoiced to see it grow and prosper. Though 
often called from home he never forgot this altar, and was 
happiest when in this sanctuary. 

Brother Hoover was a man with a vision of great things. 
He believed that the time would come when Sunday-schools 
would be in every congregation, and though meeting oppo- 
sition he was not slow in having a good school in his own 
congregation. He expected the church to be active in every 
land and prayed and worked earnestly for foreign as well as 
home missions. He was a special friend of the young. Youth- 
ful members felt that in him they had some one who under- 



182 SOME WHO LED 

stood them, who sympathized with them, and who could 
overlook their faults and help them to be better. He was a 
patient " Papa " Hoover and saw the good in other lives. 

As a preacher his discourses were fresh and interesting, 
for he avoided the old, beaten paths of the average min- 
ister of the church and sought wider fields and newer pas- 
tures for his flock to feed upon. He spoke rapidly, intently, 
so much so that one might have thought him over-earnest. 
This, however, was but the expression of a full heart. 

It is but natural that in the locality in which he lived 
such push, such advance, such ideals would bring severe 
criticism and much opposition. Perhaps few men of his 
day experienced more. Many another would have given up. 
True, when hard pressed he may have made some false 
moves; but who would not have done likewise? 

Perhaps, though, the best of Brother Hoover's life was 
known only to those nearest to him. His home was the 
haven of cheerfulness and hospitality unexcelled, and 
thither old and young, far and near, gladly gathered. Even 
when whitened with age he tried to keep young. Children 
loved him and ran to him, and older people, perplexed with 
troubles, almost overcome with sorrows, or rent asunder by 
differences, sought his help and guidance. 

Thus Brother Hoover labored day and night, never spar- 
ing his vitality as long as there was some good within reach 
to be done. He had preached in the morning; again that 
same evening he was in the West Dayton pulpit. His text 
was, " Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." 
The discourse was nearly done; he was looking beyond as 
he exclaimed, " One by one we are passing over." His words 
became incoherent, — his soul took its flight, — his pulpit be- 
came his death-bed. Precious privilege thus to die in the 
heat of battle. His congregation stood about and with 
tears listened to the heartbroken cries of his faithful wife 
as she cried for "just one word"; but the leader, the pastor, 
the neighbor, the friend, the husband, the father, and above 
all the Christian warrior in a noble conflict, was no more. 

His body rests in the Ft. McKinley cemetery, Dayton, 
Ohio. 



DANIEL F. STOUFFER 



183 




DANIEL F. STOUFFER 

Jan. 1, 1839— March 7, 1898. 

On the eve of New Year, 1857, came the beginning of a 
new experience to the Brethren church in Washington Coun- 
ty, Md. Brethren came two by two, remaining a few days 
they passed on, and others came in their stead, preaching 
day after day in the old stone church called Mt. Zion. Thus 
this series of meetings continued over a month, and some 
sixty or seventy souls were added to the Lord, among them 
being Daniel F. Stouffer, William C. Koonts, Samuel Foltz, 
and Andrew Cost, who became preachers in the after years. 
It must have been a great meeting. Among those added to 



184 SOME WHO LED 

the church were several members of the local brass band, 
who felt that it was to their spiritual interest to withdraw 
from the band. Thus it was broken up. Brother Stouffer 
was always an enthusiast in support of revival meetings. 

The remaining part of this sketch was prepared by Brother 
David Emmert, about a year before his death: 

" The eye of the church was upon him. His musical 
talent brought him into demand, and helped him, too, 
over a hard place when he and his young wife were 
just starting a home. Singing-schools were organized 
for him as far as time permitted. He became chorister of 
the Union Sunday-school of the village, and he drilled us in 
those delightful tunes which preceded the "Gospel Hymns." 
The whole community came either to sing or to hear the 
children sing. Soon an invitation came for the Benevola 
School to go to town, three miles away, and sing. One Sun- 
day afternoon we went in carriages and wagons, a long and 
merry procession, singing as we went. I can see us yet, — 
crude country boys and girls, — standing in rows around and 
over the pulpit of one of the big churches, and singing as if 
our lives depended upon it. The house was crowded and 
people gathered about the door. One spirit swayed us, and 
above all the discords and melodies, still might have been 
heard a voice sweeter and more tender than all the rest, — 
the voice of the leader. 

"Not long after, at the old stone church on the hill, there 
was a love feast. A great company of people came, and all 
the country went up, for it was noised abroad that on that 
day a preacher would be chosen. There was much anxiety 
even among the children, and I think that I must have 
breathed many a little prayer that afternoon at home that 
our favorite might be called. When the word came back be- 
fore the end of the service that he was elected the children 
were all glad, but some doubted. 

" It was not long till he tried to preach. The young people 
were curious, and his words, voice and manner charmed his 
hearers. It would have been strange indeed if the ado over 
his early efforts had not given him an appreciation of his 
own powers, and so the elders took counsel together to ad- 



DANIEL F. STOUFFER 185 

monish him and to restrain his aspirations. There was not 
much need of fear, for his heart was true. He found his 
field. He loved the people he served, and the sphere of his 
usefulness was widened. 

" In business he was active and energetic. In some way, 
out of necessity or otherwise, he was called to *cry* a sale 
(this was before his election to the ministry), and from that 
day to the day of his death he was in constant demand. Over 
a wide territory he traveled, day after day, even for months 
in the winter and early spring. No weather daunted and no 
difficulty discouraged him. He was true to his employers 
and their patrons, and no one doubted his word. I have 
known him to sell thousands of dollars* worth of livestock 
and farm implements, and then ride a dozen or twenty miles 
to his home or preach at night and be ready for his duty 
next morning. He was a great horseman, and was never so 
pleased as when training and subduing the worst horse in 
the community. He lived in the midst of a rich farming 
community and early introduced improved machinery, which 
he sold in great quantity vdth little effort. His success was 
to be accounted for only on the ground of the entire con- 
fidence in him. 

" His greatest trial came in the crisis of the church, when 
one of his loved senior colaborers suddenly died and another 
went off in the division that followed. He stood loyal to his 
convictions with the conservative element of the church, and 
labored heroically to heal the great breach in the congrega- 
tion of which he was now the elder. How well he wrought 
time will tell. If he failed in judgment, as we all do, none of 
his acts was fatal to the causes he served. If he erred in his 
relations with his fellow-men it was corrected if possible, or 
forgotten. 

"And when life came to a sudden close in the midst of his 
labors and usefulness the whole country mourned. He lies 
buried in sight of the place where he was born, and a gen- 
eration that came to the church under his preaching, who 
were married under his benediction, and whose ancestors 
he buried, live to bless his memory." 

W. B. Stover, of India. 



186 



SOME WHO LED 




GEORGE DE HAVEN ZOLLERS 

August 5, 1841— April 18, 1911. 

Son of Edward and Maria Zollers, his father being of 
German and his mother of French descent. At the time 
George was born the family was engaged in farming in 
Skippack township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Of 
seven children, — four sons and three daughters, George was 
fifth. When four his father died, leaving his mother very 
poor. The children save one were placed in strange homes, a 
trial that made lasting impressions on George's young heart. 
Eager to learn as he grew older he availed himself of every 
opportunity to secure a good education. At twenty the war 



GEORGE DE HAVEN ZOLLERS 187 

broke out and he answered the call to arms. He served two 
years; then joined a whaling expedition the account of which 
is told at length in his book, " Thrilling Incidents on Land 
and Sea." During the three years' service on the waters, 
spent mostly on the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, he doubled 
Cape Horn twice, crossed the equator six times and entered 
the Arctic Ocean twice. 

George was happy when his contract with the whaling 
company was completed because the voyages were lonely 
journeys and his heart touched by the love of God longed for 
better things at home. Soon after his arrival he united with 
the Church of the Brethren. A little later he went West and 
located in Carroll County, Illinois. During the winter of 
1869 he made a short visit in Pennsylvania, and returned with 
Sarah Rittenhouse, whom on January 14, 1869, he had made 
his bride. At the plastering trade he was always able to 
make a very good living for the family. 

March 6, 1869, the Hickory Grove congregation called him 
to the ministry. He felt not prepared for such work and had 
no way of improving his condition, he thought. Our aged 
brother, Samuel Harley, helped him at this point by saying, 
" Read your Bible, pray and fast, and the Lord can use you." 
So it proved though the road was a difficult one. So discour- 
aged was the young minister that once he decided to give up 
and so told his congregation that Sunday morning. Every 
one was surprised, rcillied to his support with words of en- 
couragement, and this in part was a turning point in his suc- 
cessful ministry. Soon after this he with another brother, — 
those days the brethren went by twos on preaching tours, — 
went to Lost Nation, Iowa, to hold a revival meeting. The 
Lord blessed their labors and George came home much built 
up. Soon after he was ordained elder and given care of the 
congregation. In the ministry he served the Hickory Grove 
congregation twenty-eight years. Often he worked hard all 
day at his trade and refused to eat, so great was his thought 
for the work of the Lord in hand. Thus forgetful of self and 



188 SOME WHO LED 

greatly concerned about the church he served the flock over 
which the Holy Ghost had made him overseer. In the winter 
time when there was little work at his trade he held revival 
meetings and the Lord crowned his humble labors with suc- 
cess. Many souls were gathered into the kingdom. He served 
as officer in District Meeting and a number of times repre- 
sented the District on Standing Committee of General Con- 
ference. 

Having been called to be pastor of the Portage congrega- 
tion in South Bend, Indiana, in 1895, he moved his family 
there. In 1900 the body of members on the north side of 
South Bend organized themselves into a new congregation, 
and built a new house of worship. Within a few steps was 
Brother Zoller*s home. 

The Lord gave him and his wife eight children, five sons 
and three daughters, six of whom grew to maturity and be- 
came members of the church of their parents. Their home 
life was ideal. As a husband he was so kind, modest and help- 
ful; as a father he was gentle and tender to his children. He 
lived for those who knew him best. Yet he forgot not the 
larger circle. Everywhere he was known he was loved. 

As a minister he was the most spiritual and kind of his 
day. His preaching never angered any one, but often melted 
many. His heart was knit to his Savior, and the listener felt 
the touch of the Christ as Brother ZoUers spoke. He loved 
to honor the church, his Master's bride. Few men were 
more devoted to her welfare. None served her with a fuller 
purpose of heart. The secret of all this was his deep secret 
prayer life. He was a close friend of Christian Hope whom 
he baptized, and encouraged him in the work he did for the 
church. His large experience of travel was a constant fund 
from which to draw to illustrate his thought in public dis- 
course or entertain a circle of friends in private life. 

While doing some repair work on the roof of his home, by 
slipping or in some other way he fell to the sidewalk, struck 
on his head, and in a few moments was no more. His wife 
saw him fall and was first at his side. 



GEORGE DE HAVEN ZOLLERS 189 

He was poetical in thought and often expressed himself in 
verse. His "Poetical Musings on Land and Sea" was pub- 
lished about the time of his death. From its pages the fol- 
lowing lines are taken: 



PRAYER FOR DIVINE GUIDANCE 



Thy favor, Lord, bestow 
On mortals here below, 

And make us thine; 
Break through these hearts of steel, 
Make us our guilt to feel, 
And bless us while we kneel, 

Father Divine. 

We feel our need of thee. 
We know thy grace is free. 

Teach us to pray. 
O, Lord of hosts on high 
To thee we lift our cry. 
We pray thee now draw nigh, 
Turn not away. 

Oh, lead us on the way. 
To that eternal day. 

Where dwell the blest; 
And when our race is run. 
Our work on earth is done. 
Because of Christ thy Son 

Take us to rest. 

Information for this sketch supplied by Sister Geo. Zollers, 
South Bend, Indiana. 



190 



SOME WHO LED 




CHRISTIAN HOPE 

December 7, 1844— July 31, 1899. 

Born in Fyne, Denmark. Parents were members of the 
Lutheran State church. They gave Christian a good educa- 
tion, the father desiring that he should study for the minis- 
try. But the mother objected and so the son learned the 
harness-making trade. State religion did not appeal to the 
young man, and he united with the Baptist church for the 
sake of immersion. But he found dissensions within the fold 
he had just entered, and after some time withdrew. During 
this period he wrote a number of tracts and their teachings 
brought him much persecution and some imprisonment. To 



CHRISTIAN HOPE 191 

escape further imprisonment, in 1870 he came to America and 
located in Iowa. Here he met and married Mary Nielson on 
Oct. 6, 1871, and by this union three sons and nine daughters 
were born. 

In 1872 they moved to Clinton, Iowa. Here he united 
with the English Baptists, but was not satisfied. He sought, 
he hardly knew what. He saw a small account of the Tunk- 
ers, but where were they? For what he learned of their faith 
and practice appealed to him. He wrote to Chicago, New 
York, Philadelphia and other places, but was unable to lo- 
cate the people. He moved his family to Rock Island to 
take charge of the Swedish Baptist church, but still keeping 
up his search for the Brethren. At last he located Brother 
George Zollers, of Carroll County, 111., and with his father- 
in-law called on him, learned more fully of the way and later, 
on Oct. 25, 1874, with two others was immersed by Brother 
Zollers. 

At once Brother Hope's heart yearned for the same joy to 
come to the hearts of his dear ones in Denmark. At the sug- 
gestion of Brother M. M. Eshelman they each gave twenty- 
five cents to start a printing fund for foreign missionary 
work. Nov. 12, 1875, must have been an unusual occasion in 
the Cherry Grove congregation, north of Lanark, 111., for 
many from outside congregations were present and ALL 
took part in an election for a minister that day, and the lot 
fell unanimously upon Christian Hope. The day was really 
a special District Meeting for Northern Illinois, and here the 
desire of Brother Hope's heart was crystallized into the ap- 
pointment of Brethren Enoch Eby and Daniel Fry and their 
wives to go as missionaries to Denmark, while Brother Hope 
and wife were to go along and interpret for and work with 
them. But plans changed. Brother and Sister Hope went 
alone, reaching Denmark in the spring of 1876. On May 5, 
C. Hansen, and on May 27, Christian Erikesen, were bap- 
tized, the fruit of the first year's labor. Hither and thither 
Brother Hope went, preaching the Word, distributing tracts 
and doing personal work. The next year eight were bap- 
tized. The fall of 1877 the brethren from America arrived, 
and soon after the first church in Denmark was organized at 



192 SOME WHO LED 

Hjorring. At this meeting Brother Hope was advanced in, 
and Brother C. Eskildsen was elected to the ministry. Then 
on Nov. 18, 1877, Brother Hope was ordained to the bishop- 
ric. The work in Denmark grew and in a few years extend- 
ed into Sweden. Thus did Brother Hope lay the foundation 
of the Church of the Brethren in Scandinavia. 

After ten faithful years' labor, during which time a goodly 
membership was gathered and a number of churches estab- 
lished. Brother and Sister Hope returned to America, arriv- 
ing Aug. 11, 1886. Because of their self-sacrificing efforts 
the church in America, through popular subscription, made 
them a present of a home at Herington, Kans., the loca- 
tion being their own choice. In 1891-92, in company with 
Bishop D. L. Miller and wife. Brother Hope visited all the 
churches in Scandinavia and organized the work for them. 
In 1895 he was sent again to these churches. This time, some 
ten going along on a tour through Palestine, visited the 
churches. In 1898 he made his last trip, members again ac- 
companying him. Thus at the bidding of the General Mis- 
sion Board he would leave his family and labor among his 
countrymen. Between these trips he went forth mostly 
among his countrymen in America and spught to bring them 
to Christ. With his team and wagon and plenty of tracts 
he would go forth and tell the story wherever he could get 
an audience. At other times he would take the train and go 
some distance. He was a hard worker, forgetful of self and 
his family interests as he sought to save souls. On the oth- 
er hand, none loved their family more than he. His heart- 
strings were wonderfully drawn when, leaving the little babe, 
Esther, with the mother at home, he heard soon after land- 
ing in Denmark, June, 1895, that she had died. It was on the 
return from a trip into Texas, telling the same old story of 
Jesus' love, perhaps with the germs of disease gathered 
there, that he took sick and died so suddenly that no one was 
expecting such an event. His body is at rest in the cemetery 
at Herington, Kans. 

As a man he had unusual qualities that attached him to 
those who knew him best. Rarely is there seen such mani- 
festly strong love for each other as was seen in his home. 



CHRISTIAN HOPE 193 

After one of his journeys abroad his home-coming was pre- 
cious as the family gathered about him to hear his words of 
love and days of service. The church that sent him on those 
lonely trips can little appreciate what it means to husband, 
wife, child thus to be separated. 

Brother Hope was a man of marked humility. Thoughts 
of himself were entirely secondary. His highest ambition 
was to be in deed and in truth a bond-servant of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. Then his meekness corresponded so richly 
with his high type of spirituality and simple trustfulness. 
He was a man of wonderful faith. Dark days, little food in 
the pantry and no money in his pocket never swerved him in 
his implicit trust in him whom he served and who promised 
to add " these things." 

On the other hand, he was a leader and organizer, a tire- 
less worker for the kingdom. He knew his Bible well, had 
lively imaginative powers, was easy in expression, thrilling 
in illustration, and always hopeful, so that to listen to him 
was refreshing. He never liked a protracted effort at one 
place; just a few sermons here and there and on he wanted 
to go, for his ear always heard the call unanswered that was 
ahead of him. 

Just before sailing to Europe in 1891 Brother Hope pub- 
lished the following: 

"1. Let us have your prayers, — in behalf of my family that 
remains in Herington, Kans., and also for myself who shall 
go away. 

"2. Please write once in a while, some of you, to my wife 
and children, to encourage them. This they need, and all, — 
both old and young,^-can give it. 

"3. God has promised somewhere that his Spirit shall rest 
in Northland. Years ago we had but an inaccurate history 
about our foreign missions. Now an accurate account, both 
verbal and printed, will be scattered, comprising a larger 
territory than ever before. Let all, interested in mission 
work, pray for a special blessing, from now on as long as 
it is allotted us, unitedly to cooperate there. Asking in faith 
we have the promise of receiving. 

"With these requests I say farewell, dear brethren and 
sisters, till we meet again, either here or in a better land." 



194 



SOME WHO LED 




JACOB MARTIN ZUCK 

October 27, 1846— May 10, 1879. 

Born on a farm near Clay Lick, Franklin County, Pa. Sec- 
ond child in a family of six sons and five daughters of Jacob 
and Susannah Martin Zuck. Jacob's parents were staunch 
members of the Church of the Brethren and known for their 
piety. Through a fall in his boyhood Jacob injured his hip 
so that he never fully recovered. His father thought him, 
therefore, not fit for the farm and permitted him to follow 
the bent of his mind. He turned to securing an education. 
Diligence marked every step of his career. From the com- 
mon school to Millersville Normal, teaching first in the com- 



JACOB MARTIN ZUCK 195 

mon schools and later in Waynesboro High School in Penn- 
sylvania, off to college at Lebanon, Ohio, and then teaching 
in Medina, Ohio, while still pursuing his studies in a classical 
course with unabating earnestness until his health failed him, 
—these are the high places in his progress for an education. 

While this preparation was going on several Brethren at 
Huntingdon, Pa., were prayerfully weighing the advisability 
of opening a school for the Brethren. Bishop J. B. Brum- 
baugh knew of Brother Zuck and invited him to visit him. 
The result was that in January, 1876, Brother Zuck stopped 
at Huntingdon, and the thought of starting a school was 
suggested. While it was new, the idea gripped his heart. 
He understood well the gravity of such a step; he saw the 
financial strain on himself and others that such a project 
would mean; cared not for himself but felt sorry for others. 
He realized the indifference that would have to be en- 
countered, plus the opposition that would manifest itself. In 
silence he contemplated for a whole month without a word 
on the subject, and then wrote a letter of which the follow- 
ing is a part: "I cannot see through the project financially, 
but am sure the Lord will supply our need. I feel sure we 
need a school, and if you brethren are in sympathy and will 
stand by the work, I am willing to try it." Deep conviction 
alone could have led him to make such an attempt, and it 
was there as seen in these words from another letter about 
this time : " I am convinced that if our church is to be a fac- 
tor in promoting the kingdom of God in the world, we must 
educate and our young people must be educated under church 
influences." 

Having such convictions for its foundation the educational 
work at Huntingdon, Pa., was begun. When, however, on 
April 17, 1876, the proposed school was opened with three 
scholars, it was evident that such convictions did not rest 
in many hearts, i^othing daunted, with such a beginning 
work was laid out. Fundamentally this was to be Christian 
education, and so the Bible was a prominent factor of the 
school life. The school grew. The second year the small- 
pox scattered the scholars to the mountain fastness or to the 



196 SOME WHO LED 

homes whence they came. From this it was picked up and 
moved forward. The third year was under good headway; a 
new building was being provided and all were anxious to get 
into it, for it was needed so much. Students helped the work- 
men, and every one redoubled his energies. These were 
days trying on the vitality of our brother, but he worked with 
the rest without complaint. Dedication came, a glorious day. 
With hearts overflowing, with words inspired and inspiring, 
with visions most glorious " the mountain " was there and 
they were upon it. The third anniversary of the opening 
was at hand. The constant strain was too much for the 
leader of all this rapidly-growing educational work. Seeds 
of pneumonia had been sown in his system through moving 
into a room where plaster was not sufficiently dry. He was 
weakening. He tottered across the rough ungraded campus 
to the home of Brother J. B. Brumbaugh, took to his bed 
and, with a cheerful heart, realizing his strength was gone 
and his labors ended, closed his eyes in death. They laid 
him to rest in the cemetery not far away. 

Brother Zuck was a noble type of a Christian. Reared in 
the Brethren faith, he accepted Christ in baptism when about 
fifteen years old and gave his best energies to Christian edu- 
cation. He was not called to the ministry, yet he chose a 
ministry well worth while, farther-reaching in results than 
many who have been called, for he led out in a work that is 
making a substantial ministry with culture and power. He 
was a firm believer in the principles for which the Brethren 
stood, but in many things he lived a generation ahead of his 
people. He was always hopeful for the church. Said he, 
"Our people are honest, and as the light of truth comes to 
them they will accept it." He was an earnest Bible stu- 
dent. It was his habit early every morning alone to 
engage in reading the Bible and prayer. His exeget- 
ical insight was keen, his talks on Bible subjects force- 
ful. His public address was interesting and instructive. With 
all this he was reserved, unassuming, only one among his fel- 
lows, and accepting no privilege that others did not enjoy. 
His hours with a friend were cheerful; his hours alone were 
in agony before the Lord, as he sought to do better. It 



JACOB MARTIN ZUCK 197 

was this hidden life that enabled him to build better than he 
knew. 

As a teacher few excelled him. He combined the happy 
ability of developing the student through his own resources. 
He was patient, and inspired those who sought his aid. 

As a man every one who knew him believed in him. His 
own inherent worth inspired confidence. He loved his work 
and labored beyond his strength. He was not strong bodily, 
but he used his limited strength without measure and out- 
stripped many better able to labor than he. So well had he 
wrought that in his dying he did more for the cause of edu- 
cation than his earnest labors would have done had he lived. 

Information for this sketch supplied by Bishop J. B. 
Brumbaugh, Huntingdon, Pa. 



Extract from Prof. Zuck's address delivered on the third 
anniversary of the founding of the school, and just a short 
time before his death: 

"In those days we always avoided telling curious people 
how many students we had, but we have grown more com- 
municative and now we do not care to tell our friends in a 
confidential way that although the school was not large, it 
contained on the very first day at least one more student 
than anybody could count on his thumbs unless he should 
count one thumb twice. But we have something better to 
tell you, and something that can not be said of all the 
schools, — the school never got smaller than it was on the 
first day, — not at least until the smallpox panic, and that 
wasn't our fault. When the scabby woe invaded this com- 
munity a little over a year ago our school was entirely brok- 
en up, and it was predicted by some that we would never re- 
vive, and the best that others could say for us was that if 
the school could survive such a shock it would no doubt live 
to a good old age. My thought in the matter was that if this 
is to be the test then the school will live. I had too much 
faith in the cause, and too much confidence in the loyalty of 
our normal boys and girls, to think that anything short of 
a general slaughter of about all of us could kill the enter- 
prise." — In "Reminiscences of Juniata College," by D. Emmert. 



198 



SOME WHO LED 




ISAAC DILLON PARKER 

January 22, 1847— May 21, 1910. 

Born on his father's farm near Loudonville, Ohio. Son of 
Cephas and Sarah Priest Parker. The father, formerly of 
Oneida County, N. Y., settled on a farm in Holmes County, 
Ohio, in 1816. Grandfather William Parker, a pioneer in 
the hop-growing district of Oneida County, was first cousin 
to Rev. Theodore Parker, D. D., the famous New England 
minister. This line of Parkers came to New England in the 
Mayflower and have some worthy names in the family con- 
nection, who have proven themselves worthy of their Puri- 
tan ancestry. John Parker, great grandfather, led the Minute 



ISAAC DILLON PARKER 199 

Men at Lexington, Mass. The mother was a daughter of James 
Loudon Priest, Jr., born in Massachusetts. Her father 
owned a thousand acres of land where now Loudonville, 
Ohio, is located. She also traced lineage to Charles Chaun- 
cey, who was born in England in 1695, came to America in 
1720, and later became the president of Harvard College. 

With such distinguished ancestry Dillon began life. His fa- 
ther, limited financially, and needing his son's labors on the 
farm, did not give Dillon the education he so much desired in 
his youth. Nevertheless, he was responsive to the noblest 
and best within reach, as is seen in his accepting Christ at 
sixteen and securing an education in spite of discourage- 
ments. At eighteen his father died and Dillon was left with- 
out a dollar to make his own way. By diligence he prepared 
himself to teach school. During the summer vacations he 
attended teachers' normals for better preparation as a teach- 
er. Thus he pushed forward until Salem Academy at Bour- 
bon, Ind., an early and unsuccessful attempt to establish a 
Brethren's school, was opened and he became a member of 
the faculty. He associated himself with Ashland College, 
Ohio, and was a trustee when Bishop R. H. Miller, in 1880, 
was elected president of that institution. Having moved into 
Northern Indiana he became president of the board of trus- 
tees of Manchester College at North Manchester, Ind., and 
during that term of service raised the money to lift the debt 
hanging over that school. Only a few years before the close 
of his life, after he held a revival meeting in the Blue Ridge 
College at Union Bridge, Md., that institution engaged his 
services and his efforts soon removed the debt there. 

But these things were only a means to an end. The end in 
his mind was church supervision of the schools, and he lived 
to see several of the schools under State-District care. He 
knew the value of an education and desired that every one 
might have the best possible opportunity to secure a good 
one. He believed in Christian education and threw all his 
strength towards the schools of the church. 

On Dec. 25, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Je- 
mina Moherman, and together they walked through his life, 
the one sustaining the other in everything that either sought 



200 SOME WHO LED 

to do. The same year Brother Parker was called to the min- 
istry, and five years later, when but thirty-one, through the 
laying on of hands by our sainted Brother James Quinter, he 
was ordained to the bishopric. Ashland congregation of 
Ohio received the larger portion of his ministerial labors, 
though later in life he did have the care of the Elkhart and 
Goshen congregations in Indiana. As a pastor, minister and 
bishop he was above the average. During the first year of 
his labors at Elkhart, Ind., over sixty accepted Christ. 

He was superintendent of the first Sunday-school orga- 
nized in Northeastern Ohio and chairman of the first Sun- 
day-school convention held in that District. 

As an evangelist he was much sought after. Those who 
accepted Christ under his preaching had been appealed to 
first, from the standpoint of the reasonableness of Christian 
service, — and few were they that could point this out more 
clearly, — then the folly of not doing so was presented in such 
a manner that his labors were blessed with a number of large 
ingatherings. In almost every part of the Brotherhood may 
be found his spiritual children. 

This, however, was only a part of his church activity. He 
was a leader in his State District, and often served as an offi- 
cer of the District Meeting. Four times he was sent as 
member of the Standing Committee of the General Confer- 
ence, and twice he served as an officer of the Conference. 
He had unusual ability to frame answers when Conference 
was in session, and his answers usually passed the Meeting. 
His ability to understand the situation, see the real issue and 
provide for it, placed him on many important committees ap- 
pointed by the Conference. In these he lost not sight of 
right, the highest good and a sympathy for all those affected 
that made his labors appreciated. 

In 1898 he was engaged as traveling secretary for the Gen- 
eral Mission Board, and this position he held till his death. 
The clear manner in which he presented missions publicly, 
and the convincing method he had of presenting the same 
subject privately, along with his natural ability as a solicitor, 
enabled him to secure a large endowment for the Board. 
When the Board came into possession of the James R. and 



ISAAC DILLON PARKER 201 

Barbara Gish estate, the properties were scattered in Kansas, 
Arkansas and Illinois. Brother Parker took charge of and 
converted them into funds the Board could handle. 

Few men were more hopeful than he. When aggressive 
men wanted to go faster during the days of disruption and 
division in the church. Brother Parker spoke words of con- 
ciliation and assurance, and did much to prevent a larger 
cleavage than occurred. No matter how dark the outlook, he 
always saw better things ahead. This was also manifest in 
regard to his own well-being. When disease laid hold on him 
severely and friends warned him, he would say, " I am feel- 
ing better and will soon be all right." This put even his 
nearest friends off their guard, and when the news spread 
that he had died every one was shocked with surprise. Com- 
plication of diseases had preyed upon his vigorous frame 
until it could not longer resist. 

Brother Parker died without a will; but Sister Parker for 
the most part knew all his plans and lives to carry them out 
for him. Before his death they had placed considerable sums 
as endowment with the General Mission Board, and since his 
death Sister Parker has turned over more. Thus they have 
sought to work for the Master even when their own bodies 
are at rest. 

Because of his advanced ideas on some of the more impor- 
tant phases of church work he was sometimes criticised se- 
verely, but he pressed on. He was a progressive man, yet 
ready only for such new methods as conformed to the spirit 
of the Word of God. When Sunday-school sentiment was 
being created he was among the foremost to push it to the 
front; likewise when the opportunity came for developing 
the Christian Workers' organizations. Cheerful, yet sincere, 
pleasant in conversion but not jesting, a friend he was to 
every one who needed help. In his generation he lived not 
in vain; and the records in men's lives are such that though 
time may forget him, eternity will not. 

His body is at rest in the cemetery near Ashland, Ohio. 

Information for this sketch given by Mrs. I. D. Parker, 
Ashland, Ohio. 



202 



SOME WHO LED 




AMSEY HASCALL PUTERBAUGH 

December 30, 1851— February 28, 1903. 

Born on the homestead near Elkhart, Ind., where he 
learned life's earlier lessons and spent his declining years. 
Fourth child in a family of seven children of Henry and 
Mary Lloyd Puterbaugh. The parents were of German ex- 
traction, sturdy, industrious and firm. They came to Indiana 
in an early day from Miami County, Ohio. Each was a faith- 
ful follower of the Lord. 

Being bright, attentive and persistent, Amsey's training in 
the public school, along with attendance at Warsaw Normal 
and Bourbon College, in Indiana, and the National Normal 



AMSEY HASCALL PUTERBAUGH 203 

University, of Ohio, was highly prized. While in the Bunker 
Hill School he had the poet. Will Carleton, for a teach- 
er. During this time he was a constant student of the New 
Testament, which he carried with him. 

When about seventeen he began to feel the need of a fuller 
life than that experienced by the moralist, and united with 
the Church of the Brethren Feb. 17, 1869. On May 20, 1870, 
he was called to the ministry. Bishop David Miller conduct- 
ing the installation services. At this point he decided to 
give his energies in best possible service for his Lord. On 
May 15, 1875, he was advanced to the second degree, 
which position he said was " the one coveted place, 
above all others, preeminently the best in the gift of 
our beloved Brotherhood." 

On May 29, 1884, he was ordained, and during succeeding 
years had oversight of the Washington, Portage and 
Elkhart Valley congregations in Northern Indiana. For 
many years he was Writing Clerk of the District Meeting of 
Northern Indiana and a number of times represented the 
District on Standing Committee at Annual Conference. 

But Brother Puterbaugh's work was farther reaching. He 
was a strong advocate of education, for he recognized its 
value to Christian experience. For years he was closely con- 
nected with Manchester College, teaching classes in homilet- 
ics during the special Bible terms, and serving on the ad- 
visory board. His remarkable power in the pulpit was re- 
vealed on Sept. 1, 1902, when he delivered the dedicatory ad- 
dress of Manchester College. But this was his last strong 
address, for disease had already marked him. 

He was a frequent contributor to the church periodicals, 
editor of "The Pulpit" in the Bible Student, and "The 
Preacher's Page " in the Gospel Messenger. He served well 
as secretary of the Gish Fund Committee until the close of 
life. His last work was reading Blanchard's "Modern Secret 
Societies" manuscript, though he did this with difficulty. 

Brother Puterbaugh's attitude of life is reflected best in his 
own words: "My occupation has been the ministry, but I 
taught school and engaged in farming to make ends meet and 



204 SOME WHO LED 

to gain a competency for sickness and old age."i He taught 
school for seventeen years, eleven of which were spent as 
principal of the Oswego schools. As school trustee he es- 
tablished the graded system in Leesburg and Oswego 
schools; he was tendered the superintendency of public in- 
struction for Kosciusko County, Ind., but turned this aside; 
he was urged by influential men to be a candidate for State 
Representative, but this he declined. 

Sept. 28, 1876, Brother Puterbaugh was married to Rilla 
Clem, of Milford, Ind. Five children blessed their home. To 
his wife he attributed a large measure of his success. He has 
said what older ministers can fully appreciate: " Personal 
wants, poverty, toil, blinding storms, scorching heat, bleak 
and cutting winds, and dark midnight hours can be no excuse 
in keeping one from duty's call; such has been my experi- 
ence. There is a casket filled with tears and sorrows of a be- 
loved wife, son and daughter, too precious to ever be broken. 
It is sealed by the Kind Hand that wipes away the tears from 
our faces, to be opened when we shall know fully the bless- 
edness of all the casket contains." 

He was a man of order, prompt in business engagements. 
As a student he was ever searching for a clearer vision, a 
deeper insight, a brighter light, a firmer ground of truth, and 
at all times " a reason for the faith which lieth within." As 
an educator he taught the lessons of life rather than texts, 
and efficiency rather than credentials. As a minister he was 
excelled by few, for he was clear, logical and sincere. As 
an elder he was kind but firm. As a counselor he was safe. 

Once he said, " When my armor is to be laid aside I pray 
it may be in my library among the volumes whose pages 
have become so dear to me, and contributed so much to my 
life's work among God's people."^ His wish was gratified, 
and hia body rests in the South Prairie Street cemetery at 
Elkhart, Ind., while his influence lives in the hearts of many. 

Information for this sketch supplied by his son, Roy H. 
Puterbaugh, Elkhart, Ind. 



i"A Birdseye View of My Ministry," Gospel Messenger, No- 
vember, 1897. 



DAVID ALFRED MILLER 



205 




DAVID ALFRED MILLER 

August 29, 1855— June 27, 1908. 

Born near Hagerstown, Washington County, Md. He was 
the tenth child of Abram and Catherine Long Miller, to 
whom were born nine sons and four daughters. Parents 
were of German descent, faithful members of the Church of 
the Brethren, and instilled into their children faith in Christ 
in such a way as to bring forth much fruit; for of seven sons 
and one daughter that lived to maturity, the daughter and 
six sons were devout Christians, five of the sons being 
bishops and one a deacon in the Church of the Brethren. 

David loved the farm more than books; hence with the 



206 SOME WHO LED 

limited facilities of fifty years ago his education was rather 
limited. In 1873 his mother died, and desiring larger oppor- 
tunities than the valleys of Maryland afforded, he came to 
Ogle County, 111., where some of his older brothers had 
settled. He chose farming as his vocation, saved his earn- 
ings and soon was in a position to own his own home. In 
1884 he moved his little family on a farm near Le Mars, 
Plymouth County, Iowa. Here he had bought when lands 
were cheap, grew with the country's development, and in the 
course of years had accumulated considerable property. In 
business and social circles he was no leader, tending closely 
to his own affairs and no more; yet the high standards he 
brought into both these, along with his example of piety, 
made him a silent leader for higher and better things. 

When but sixteen, his heart still tender, he entered the 
service of the Lord. This step gave his mother unusual joy, 
for she had wrestled for him before the throne and this was 
another trophy of her pleading in her own family. His Bible 
was a constant companion from youth, and he dwelt much 
upon its precious promises. Though a man of strong con- 
victions of what was right, he was not forward in presenting 
them; but he was a worker for his Lord. When he moved 
his little family to Iowa the closest members were forty 
miles away. Sunday-school was started at once and he 
served as superintendent for six years. In 1891 the Kingsley 
congregation called him to the ministry, and his first sermon 
was to his own family circle on a wintry Sunday morning 
when no one could get to church. Thus did he try to do what 
was his to do with all his might. Plenty of indifference and 
opposition to meet; some persecution to endure; but these 
seem only to have whetted his appetite for victory in Jesus' 
name. Evangelists were called at his own expense and at 
last opposition gave way, members were baptized, the Prairie 
congregation organized, and on Jan. 22, 1893, a little over 
eight years after he located, a churchhouse was dedicated. 
In 1896 he was ordained and given the oversight of the Prai- 
rie congregation. For six years he labored earnestly. Sixty- 
live had been received by baptism; others had moved in and 



DAVID ALFRED MILLER 207 

the congregation grew in that substantial way not always 
characteristic of frontier churches. 

The rigors of northwestern Iowa seemed to be against his 
health, and in 1899 he moved his family to a farm near Kid- 
der, Mo. This was a new and needy field in spiritual en- 
deavor, and despite his affliction, which seemed to increase, 
he held successful revival meetings, was a strong support to 
the mission in South St. Joseph, Mo., took an active part in 
District Meetings, and represented his District on Standing 
Committee at Annual Meeting. 

As some men are leaders, Brother Miller was not one; he 
was too reserved to elbow against others who tried to lead. 
On the other hand, he knew the field and its needs, he had 
good judgment and above all a genuine sympathy for the 
one who needed help. Wherever he labored people gathered 
about him because of the worth of the man within. As a 
shepherd of the flocks which he was called to tend, he was 
gentle, forbearing, helpful, not fostering sin, but always help- 
ing the sinner. As a minister he made no pretensions at 
eloquence or scholarship, but dealt out the Word in that 
fullness of heart that caused the common people to hear him 
gladly. Thus it was that the poor and lowly of the city 
where he labored sought him and loved him as a father. 

On Feb. 21, 1882, he was united in marriage to Mary E. 
Rowland, and to them two sons and two daughters were 
born. Simplicity and Christlikeness dwelt in their home. His 
was a happy family. Even when his last years, which were 
full of suffering, were passing, each one helped to bear the 
other's burden, and he bore his suffering patiently, longing to 
be healed so that he might do still more for his Savior. Life's 
opportunities in Christian work were just really unfolding 
to him, but the end was near at hand. For a long time he 
was unable to determine his difficulty; at last it was discov- 
ered that he had a cancer. From the operation to remove 
it he did not recover. He was laid to rest in the beautiful 
cemetery of St. Joseph, Mo., near the place of his most fruit- 
ful labors for his Lord. 

Information for this sketch supplied by his daughter, Mrs. 
Anna K. Miller Loe, of Kidder, Mo. 



208 



SOME WHO LED 




WILLIAM A. ANTHONY 

February 10, 1857— July 23, 1911. 

No person has ever been qualified to give a detailed and 
full account of the life of any individual. While human life 
is but a drop in the great ocean of time, it is impossible to 
chronicle every thought, emotion, word, act, etc., of which 
human life is composed. The revelator said, " There are also 
many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they 
should be written every one, even the world itself could not 
contain the books that should be written." 

The time limit of the life of our subject was little more 
than fifty-four years, and what is here written in this small 



WILLIAM A. ANTHONY 209 

space can only be considered as a mere clever hint at a beau- 
tiful life. 

Elder William A. Anthony was a son of David and Nancy 
A. (Boward) Anthony and the second child of a family of 
twelve children. He was born Feb. 10, 1857, near Hagers- 
town, Md., where he lived until the age of thirty years. His 
grandfather, George Anthony, was born in Germany and 
came to the United States in 1825, locating at Hanover, York 
County, Pa., and there passed the remainder of his days 
working at his trade of cabinet-making. David Anthony, 
the father of William, was a blacksmith, learning his trade 
at Hanover. When a young man he located near Hagers- 
town, Md., where he resided for thirty years, engaged at his 
trade. At the tender age of eight years he was left an or- 
phan, and on account of the family being poor he was placed 
among strangers to earn a livelihood. Through their neg- 
lect he was deprived of a common-school education. He 
was, however, by no means an ignorant man, and although 
he was ever at the painful disadvantage of not being able to 
read and write, his inherent intelligence and common-sense 
ideas of things easily won for him a good degree of deserv- 
ing admiration and respect upon the part of those who knew 
him. 

In religious matters he was a devout member of the Church 
of the Brethren and was seldom absent from his accustomed 
place in the sanctuary. The mother of William, who was a 
faithful member of the same church, had been previously 
married to one Robert Clugston, and to this first union were 
born two children, of whom one died at the age of eight 
years, the other still surviving. 

Early in life William manifested a love for books, and it 
soon developed that he had a good brain and was an apt 
and ready learner. The family, however, was poor, depend- 
ent largely on the father's daily labor for support. In ad- 
dition to this support the older children were obliged to go 
out early in life and work on the farm and in kitchen and 
factory to aid in the support of themselves and the younger 
children at home. I can well remember that it was not only 
the ambition and desire of our parents that we should early 



210 SOME WHO LED 

be taught the art of industry, but, also in this connection, 
that we should be prudent and economical in the use we 
made of our well-earned money. Therefore it was an es- 
tablished rule with them and mutually understood among us 
children that, until we were eighteen years of age, our earn- 
ings or wages in money were to be given to them to be used 
in the support of the family, or otherwise, as they saw prop- 
er. Consequently it will be seen that this unavoidable con- 
dition of material family support interfered largely with 
William in his effort to secure an education sufficient to teach 
school, which profession he chose as his life's work. Eager, 
however, that their children should have and enjoy as much 
as possible the good things of life, William, along with the 
other children who were at work away from home, was re- 
quired to be at home during the winter months and attend 
the country school. Later he attended a select school and 
the high school of Hagerstown, and at the age of twenty-four 
years he began teaching school, and almost without interrup- 
tion he taught for twenty-five consecutive years, seven years 
in Maryland and eighteen years in Pennsylvania. 

On October 11, 1883, he was married to Annie M. Friedly, 
daughter of John and Catharine Friedly of Franklin County, 
Pa. Two children, Edgar F. and Ira S. W., were born of this 
union, who, with their quiet and godly mother, survive. 

In his diary, which he faithfully kept from the time he 
united with the church until his death, he recorded as the 
date of his conversion Nov. 2, 1879. This turning point for 
broader and higher service occurred during a series of meet- 
ings held at his home church (Longmeadow) in the Beaver 
Creek congregation, Md., by Eld. Silas Hoover, who is still 
living and active in church work. On May 19, 1883, he was 
called to the ministry in the aforesaid congregation, of which 
the late Daniel F. Stouffer was then bishop, and on May 
10, 1902, in the Falling Spring Congregation, Pa., he was or- 
dained to the full ministry. 

Later, when Chambersburg was organized into a congre- 
gation, he was appointed elder in charge, serving in that ca- 
pacity until death. Three times he served on the Standing 



WILLIAM A. ANTHONY 211 

Committee at Annual Conference, the last time at St. Joseph, 
Mo. 

In the pulpit he had magnetic power and his preaching 
was Spirit-filled and earnest. This was no less true of his 
ministry of song and Christian work in general. He was a 
close student of the Word, a man of settled convictions of 
right, which must be respected, and a lover of good men. 

He had no greater joy than the fellowship of his brethren, 
and in public worship and the various councils of the church 
he was always foremost and alert, interested in the young 
and promising members and desirous of the greatest good. 

He was a live and untiring missionary preacher, and in his 
diary he has a record of many long journeys made through 
cold and heat, with other brethren, over the mountains of 
Maryland and Pennsylvania, to visit churches and establish 
missions. 

For nearly a score of years he served on the Mission 
Board of his State District and is acknowledged to have been 
largely responsible for the establishment of churches at 
McConnellsburg, Hanover and Chambersburg, representing 
three counties of Pennsylvania. 

In secular affairs he was a representative man in his com- 
munity and his counsel was frequently sought and followed. 

Few men, hampered as he was in the beginning, have been 
able to accomplish so much good, and to bring it about with- 
in so limited a time. By honest toil and constant, faithful 
endeavor in all things, courageous and hopeful, he was suc- 
cessful in his work, progressive in his ideas, a kind-hearted, 
cheerful, epen-handed man. 

He was honored and beloved by all who knew him and his 
presence was sought wherever earnest, helpful, purposeful, 
evangelistic service was desired. 

On Sunday, July 23, 1911, he suffered a stroke of paralysis 
at his home in Shadygrove, Pa., and after lingering only four 
hours he fell asleep in Jesus. He was anointed by Elder 
Wm. C. Koontz and myself, and was laid to rest in the beau- 
tiful country cemetery at Price's church, near Waynesboro, 
Pennsylvania. — F. D. Anthony, Waynesboro, Pa. 



212 



SOME WHO LED 




GEORGE BLACKBURN HOLSINGER 

May 10, 1857— November 22, 1908. 

Oldest of four sons of Joseph H. and Rebecca Blackburn 
Holsinger. Born on father's farm near Pleasantville, Bed- 
ford County, Pa. His parents were of German extraction, 
natural mechanics, and the father was the leader of song for 
the Church of the Brethren for a number of years. George 
grew up, enjoying the beauties of nature as seen on and 
about the farm in that goodly land, and because school was 
two miles away was mother-taught in his earlier years, and 
later received eleven years of common-school education. 
He thus prepared himself for teaching in the common 



GEORGE BLACKBURN HOLSINGER 213 

schools, but, being passionately fond of music, in a few 
years he drifted into the study of music. In 1875 he attended 
singing-school taught by Benj. H. Everett, and then began 
class-work himself. He played the organ long before he 
could read music, and used chords before he knew how to 
make them other than through his inborn ability. In 1881 he 
attended a musical institute, and there, under W. R. Burnett, 
received his first insight into reading music and playing on 
the organ. At this same institute he took first prize in song 
composition and did likewise the year following. Eager for 
the best he sat at the feet of such men as B. C. Unseld, Geo. 
F. Root, H. R. Palmer, J. C. Filmore and others of like repu- 
tation, and paid for some of his instructions as high as $6 
per hour. Thus did he press to the front in preparation, and 
this in part accounts for the volume and high character of 
his productions. 

When Bridgewater College, then known as Virginia Nor- 
mal School, was founded, in 1882, Brother Holsinger took 
charge of the musical department, and occupied the position 
with ability and developed it commendably for sixteen years. 
He taught piano, organ, vocal, history of music, harmony 
and composition. He gave over 30,000 lessons of instrumen- 
tal music alone. 

A larger field of service awaited him. In 1898 the Brethren 
Publishing House offered him the position of musical edi- 
tor, and from that time till the close of life he gave his time 
to preparing songbooks and traveling among the churches, 
conducting singing classes and musical institutes. The Breth- 
ren responded to this effort very well and singing took a step 
in advance in the church. 

As a musical composer and editor his life was a marked 
success. He composed over two hundred songs, for a num- 
ber of which his wife wrote the words, and these composi- 
tions have found their way into over one hundred different 
collections. While here in the body his spirit seemed to take 
flight when composing, and so some of his best songs antic- 
ipated the time when he, with all the redeemed singers, 
should get home. Thus it is noted that such as " Rest Over 
Jordan." "At the Savior's Right Hand," and "Meet Me 



214 SOME WHO LED 

There " are songs of this character, and will be sung in the 
years to come. Then, as though realizing that he was on 
earth, he breaks forth with another, " Keeping Step with Je- 
sus," indicating how closely he sought to associate with his 
Master. There is a melodious sweetness in his music pe- 
culiar to his compositions that reveals the trust and gentle- 
ness that were so marked in Brother Holsinger. He edited 
and assisted in editing nine different volumes of song, and 
published a book of " Practical Exercises " that has been 
found very helpful to teachers of vocal classes. But his best 
work, or rather the one that has served the largest field of 
usefulness, is the " Hymnal ** of the Church of the Brethren, 
published in 1901, a collection of hymns and songs that in 
spite of their much use is loved by the church and stands 
first in the hearts of the people. 

The last ten years of Brother Holsinger's life was a cli- 
max of usefulness. His vocal classes were always conducted 
in the spirit of evangelism. Not the words, but the thought, 
as the expression of the heart, is what he strove to have 
sung. And even his teaching bore the fruits of repentance 
in the hearts of the unconverted in his classes, and his sing- 
ing made " melody in the heart unto the Lord." Along with 
his editorial work he conducted classes in eleven different 
States. Within this period he was leader of song at nearly 
every Annual Conference, and few there be that will excel 
him when it comes to leading an audience unitedly in that 
sweetness and gentleness that give character to song. Kind- 
ly would he call attention to the harsh, the loud singing, 
and explain the difference between that and his own example, 
and thus did he mellow down the singing until all enjoyed 
praising God in tenderest accents. He was a master of as- 
semblies when standing before them with baton in hand, and 
led them to praise the Lord. Their song seemed to enter 
the courts of heaven and unite with the redeemed around the 
throne. It was a common comment when Brother Holsinger 
led song service at Annual Conference, "How soul inspiring," 
"He does it so well and without any apparent special effort." 

On Oct. 8, 1875, Brother Holsinger united with the Church 
of the Brethren. His youth showed marked piety. On 



GEORGE BLACKBURN HOLSINGER 215 

August 19, 1884, he was united in marriage to Sallie A. Ka- 
gey, of Bridgewater, Va. Poetical, appreciative, truly devo- 
tional, she supplemented Brother Holsinger's work in every 
way. When from home so much as he was during the latter 
part of his life she did not complain, but encouraged him in 
the good he was doing. Twin boys were born to them, but 
Clyde Kagey Holsinger alone reached maturity. 

Brother Holsinger had some very striking characteristics. 
He was easily discouraged, and yet he persevered in his 
chosen calling against some very great discouragements. He 
was very sensitive to an insult or intended injury, and yet 
he was not known to retaliate. He was modest almost to a 
fault, and yet could make himself at home before the largest 
audiences. His hand was ever ready to help another, and in 
his chosen profession he had many opportunities and used 
them. As a teacher he did not think of his ability, but of 
how to make still better progress with his pupils. He was 
always ready for his class-work, knew what he was going to 
do and usually accomplished his outlined allotment. 

It was while engaged in teaching a vocal class at Astoria, 
111., that he took sick with a malignant form of pneumonia 
and went to join the chorus on high before either wife or 
son could be at his bedside. His last words after his anoint- 
ing, and just before death, were, " I have a narrow passage 
to go through. If it were not for my wife and poor child, I 
would be ready to lie down and go to my Father." His body 
lies at rest in the cemetery at Bridgewater, Va., and his 
songs are being sung all over the land as people gather to 
worship their Lord. 

Information for the sketch supplied by Mrs. Geo. B. Hol- 
singer, of Bridgewater, Va. 



216 



SOME WHO LED 




ALBERT W. VANIMAN 

August 25, 1859— March 14, 1908. 

Born near Dayton, Ohio. Son of Daniel Vaniman, whose 
active life is related in this volume. When five his parents 
moved to Macoupin County, 111. Albert was eager to avail 
himself of a common-school education. He taught several 
terms, and when Mt. Morris College was opened, in 1879, 
Albert was one of the first to enroll. His years in school 
marked an epoch in the young man's lif^ for with him 
school opportunities meant better preparation for his Mas- 
ter's service. Here he met Miss Alice Moore, daughter of 
David and Sarah Moore, and on June 18, 1882, they were 



ALBERT W. VANIMAN 217 

married at Lanark, 111. She proved a faithful and helpful 
companion in Albert's church work. Her ability was so 
varied as to make his life of usefulness much larger because 
she was with him. 

At fourteen Albert united with the Brethren, Brother John 
Metzger administering the rite of baptism. On Sept. 6, 
1884, while living in St. Louis, the ministry was laid upon 
Albert, and in 1899 he was ordained to the eldership. It 
was but a few years after he left school until the General 
Mission Board sent him and his wife to Texas to do mission 
work. They located in Cooke County, near Loring's Ranch, 
and during the first year they held over one hundred meet- 
ings, four love feasts, traveled nearly two thousand miles 
by private conveyance, and best of all received thirty-six 
into the church. Brother Albert was the only minister of 
the Church of the Brethren in the State until the following 
October, when Henry Brubaker and J. P. Harshbarger 
came to his assistance. Their experience was varied and ro- 
mantic in this frontier life. With their own traveling outfit 
he and his wife would start out, sleep by the wagon on the 
ground, cook their meals on the camp-fire, and thus, visit- 
ing the very poor, give them an encouraging word to help 
them on their way. Sometimes their journey would take 
them among the Indians, and from among the half-breeds 
came trophies of the cross through his ministry. He assist- 
ed in organizing congregations of the Brethren in Clay 
County, and at Nacona, in Montague County. Of this part 
of their life-work Sister Vaniman in June, 1912, wrote: 

" We often expressed ourselves in later years that the time 
spent on the frontier in Texas was the happiest time in all 
our lives, and we regretted many times that we gave up the 
field which had such bright prospects for a live working 
church and where our labors seemed to be so much appre- 
ciated." Mcpherson College needed a business manager, 
and Brother Albert accepted the position. Here he labored 
successfully for several years, until one day his father 
preached so strong a missionary sermon that he and his 
wife volunteered for the India field. Agitation was begun 
and several thousand dollars were raised to begin the work. 



218 SOME WHO LED 

Brother and Sister Vanlman in the meantime had entered 
a medical college at Topeka, Kans., to prepare more fully 
for their prospective work. At Conference of 1894 their 
names, along with Brother and Sister Stover and Sister 
Ryan, were approved as suitable for the India field. But 
as Brother and Sister Vaniman were not ready the others 
were sent. 

While attending college at Topeka, Brother Vaniman act- 
ed as pastor of the Oakland congregation not far away. In 
1898, when prepared to minister to the physical and spiritual 
wants of his fellow-men, the General Mission Board sent 
them South to report on the advisability of a mission among 
the negroes. An extensive and careful study of the situation 
was made in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. It was decided 
not to undertake such a work for the time, and Brother Al- 
bert moved to Saginaw, Tex., and built up a splendid prac- 
tice. He was also very active in church work at that place. 

The General Mission Board needed some one to take up 
the work so well begun by Brother Hope in Sweden and 
Denmark, and prevailed on Brother and Sister Vaniman to 
leave their growing medical practice and sail for Sweden. 
They reached Malmo in July, 1900, and spent five years in 
patient work among the members there. They did much for 
the cause of the Master, and in years after, when any one 
from America visited the churches in Sweden, constant 
words of praise were heard for their work. They spoke of 
his kindness, patience and tact in church work. Forgetful 
of self, making the burden of others his own, he endeared 
himself greatly to the people of southern Sweden. 

Health was failing in that climate, and he was advised to 
return to the homeland. At first he did not want to hear to 
such a proposition, but at last the cough, so ominous, spoke 
in terms so emphatic that they decided to come home. On 
Sept. 4, 1905, amidst the saddest farewells they ever experi- 
enced, they set sail for America, and in December of the 
same year arrived at Inglewood, Cal., where they lived with 
Sister Vaniman*s uncle, Phillip Moore. Later they moved to 
Pasadena. Albert regained his strength sufficiently to be 
active in church work for nearly two years. He was a mem- 



ALBERT W. VANIMAN 219 

ber of the Committee of Arrangements for the Los Angeles 
Annual Conference in 1907. It was a joy for him to mingle 
with his brethren and labor for them. In September, 1907, 
they moved to Raisin, Cal. 

But the dread disease, consumption, had a fatal grip upon 
him in spite of all he could do. He grew weaker and weak- 
er. On his bed of suffering he would often sing that Swedish 
song, "O voradar" (Oh, that I were there). He longed to 
be at rest with the Lord, and his oft-repeated prayer was 
answered on March 14, 1908. His body was the first to be 
laid to rest in the new cemetery at Raisin, Cal. 

Brother Albert was a man with clear-cut convictions and a 
high ideal of right, but he was not importune in pressing 
them upon others. In many things he lived in advance of 
his day; yet he was not disposed to grow impatient when 
his views were not heeded. He could labor and wait. His 
preaching was thoughtful and pointed, but never with the 
same force as some. While he sowed seed in many fields 
and far apart, there was good fruitage and eternity will 
best reveal the full results. 

Brother and Sister Vaniman were permitted to labor to- 
gether in a rather unusual way. Inasmuch as no children 
were given to them, where the one was there might be found 
the other in church work. They were traveling companions, 
both prepared for medical work, both devout Christians. 
His favorite text was, "All things work together for good 
to them that love the Lord," and this anchor for the soul 
stayed them many a time in the rough trials and journeys of 
life which they took together, hither and thither on the 
frontier. Though his years were few, as men measure life, 
they were fruitful and a blessing to the world. 

Information for this sketch given by Mrs. Alice Vaniman, 
Raisin, Cal. 



220 



SOME WHO LED 




CHARLES EDWARD ARNOLD 

May 13, 1866— May 31, 1902. 

Born and reared near Burlington, W. Va. Eldest son of 
Bishop Daniel B. and Mary Elizabeth Ludwick Arnold, pi- 
ous and earnest members of the Church of the Brethren. 
Charles gladly attended school four or five months each win- 
ter. He made use of his opportunity, for at seventeen he 
had a first-grade certificate and was teaching district school. 
At nineteen he entered Bridgewater College, where he spent 
five years, during three of which he was principal of the com- 
mercial department. After spending about a year in Ohio 
Normal University he accepted the chair of mathematics in 



CHARLES EDWARD ARNOLD 221 

Botetourt Normal, near Daleville, Va. Success attended his 
efforts as teacher, and in 1893 he accepted the chair of math- 
ematics at McPherson College, McPherson, Kans. Here his 
genial and thorough work soon placed him in the lead; 
in 1896 he was called to the presidency of the institution and, 
till his death, occupied that place with heartiest approval of 
student body, faculty and trustees. 

In September, 1891, he was married to Ella Beahm, and 
by this union two children were born, Ruth and Russel, the 
latter dying just a few weeks before his father's death. 

Religiously, Brother Arnold was an example to all. At 
nineteen while at Bridgewater he accepted Christ. He was 
active in Sunday-school, the only avenue open at the time 
for a young brother. In 1894 the McPherson congregation 
called him to the ministry, and four years later he was or- 
dained bishop. Occasionally he wrote articles for the Gos- 
pel Messenger, these being noted for clearness, force, and 
terseness. He was wide-awake in Sunday-school work. 
When the Southwestern District of Kansas created the office 
of District Sunday-school Secretary, he was appointed and 
held the office till his death. He was a member of the Broth- 
erhood Sunday-school Advisary Board, a staff contributor in 
the preparation of the Brethren's Advanced Quarterly, and 
was offered the editorship of all the Sunday-school literature 
for the church, a position he declined, simply because the 
college interests appealed to him more. He was also a mem- 
ber of the Kansas State Sunday-school Association, and 
wrote a book on the " Journeys of Jesus," having such merit 
that he secured the Sunday-school Times Company of Phila- 
delphia, as his publisher, thus receiving for it the widest pos- 
sible publicity. 

But his special field in which he took greatest delight was 
educational. He loved the church, — her missions, her Sun- 
day-schools; but so keenly did he see the need of proper 
preparation for all these avenues of church activity that, 
when he saw life was closing for him, he said to his closest 
friends, " I hope the day is not far distant when our brethren 
with means will regard it as much of a missionary duty to 
endow colleges as to send missionaries to the heathen." 



222 SOME WHO LED 

He was not afraid of hard problems, knowing full well that 
difficulties show what men are made of. He accepted the 
presidency of McPherson College in her dark days, — when 
attendance was small, buildings inadequate, debts pressing 
and faculty on the point of leaving. Brother Edward Frantz, 
who lived so close to him through all these days, and was 
finally called upon to succeed him as president, says, " He 
would have been the last person to claim for himself the 
whole credit for the changed situation, but it is only due him 
to say that it was his inspiring leadership, his sublime faith 
in the midst of most discouraging circumstances, which, far 
more than was then realized, caused a group of brethren to 
* hang together ' and stay by the work until these difficulties 
were surmounted." His success lay in his tact, coupled with 
firmness, gentleness and patience. His words enthused be- 
cause his life was genuine. His office and his desk in the 
classroom were thrones of inspiration for every student who 
came to either, whether many or few times. 

His life was short, but long enough to show the marks of 
character worthy of notice. Perhaps most manifest was 
close application. When on the farm, noons, rainy days and 
every spare moment were used in study. He tied together 
with a golden thread of desire for an education the many 
spare moments that so many young people waste, and these 
became the stepping-stones to his rapid rise amidst his peo- 
ple. Though president of college, with innumerable duties, 
sharing the ministry, taking part in the social life of the 
church, he still had time to pursue advanced studies, under 
the direction of the Illinois Wesleyan University, in psychol- 
ogy, ethics and Christian theism. All this was but part of 
that needed training he felt he must have to serve his Master 
best in life. 

Then that sweep of unwavering faith should be mentioned. 
His was not that faith so short-sighted that he saw only the 
things pertaining to his life alone. He was part of the great 
whole and his Father was over all. He sought to see God's 
will in everything, and then one does not wonder at his writ- 
ing just a few days before his death, while already in the 
hospital, " I am trying to see some brightness on all sides." 



CHARLES EDWARD ARNOLD 223 

His bright look always surveyed the evil and the ill, but still 
saw the brightness. This alone is real faith, the seeing of 
God's victory even in the wreckage of the seemingly worst 
human disaster. It is but natural, then, that he feared no ill 
from honest investigation of all problems, even the problem 
of life and of faith. Truth will stand all tests. Search and 
search deep he would urge. 

The steady spirit that possessed him kept him perhaps off 
the highest mountain tops, but it also kept him out of the 
lowest valleys. And because of this even temper of mind and 
of effort, when it was reported he was no more, heads bowed 
and wept and hands trembled. Such leaders are few; and 
when one is found he is dearly loved. 

Brother Frantz speaks so touchingly of the close: "Those 
closing weeks of patient suffering and waiting for the ap- 
proaching transition were to him so natural, to us so won- 
derful. He talked of the coming change for himself, of the 
future of those who would remain here, as calmly as he ever 
talked of anything. He kept working as long as it was physic- 
ally possible. Not many days before his death he dictated 
answers to his correspondents. Not long before this he had 
written some ten foolscap pages of business advice for the 
guidance of the family. We looked on and marveled. But 
how could it have been otherwise? It was the way he had 
lived. As in life, so in death, he was just doing the next thing 
that needed to be done, and this came as naturally as the 
rest. It was a picture truly sublime. And thus he had 
worked and waited until the dread cancer had eaten away 
his life." 

At McPherson, in sight of the college now growing in 
influence and prestige, not only among the Brethren but in 
the State, he is buried, his tongue silent but his life still 
speaking through those who knew him best. 



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